The Theater of Dreams is the venue for Gary O’Neil’s Wolverhampton Wanderers christening on Monday night, while Manchester United welcome their Midlands counterparts to their headquarters in the first week of Premier League matches.
As the Red Devils prepare for a second season under the watchful eye of Erik ten Hag, their guests are confused by the inevitable – albeit premature – departure of Julen Lopetegui.
Qualifying for the Champions League with a podium finish and adding another EFL Cup to the trophy cabinet marked a successful first season in charge of Man United for Ten Hag, which was in his debut season in England.
Thanks to an impeccable defensive record at the Old Trafford base – conceding 10 league goals all season against their own fans – Manchester United finished in bronze medal behind Arsenal and Manchester City, even causing trouble in the EFL Cup final to Newcastle United to end a six-year silverware drought.
To say Man United endured a tumultuous pre-season period would be an understatement as after opening with three successive wins over Leeds United, Lyon and Arsenal, the Red Devils were put to the sword by Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund , although a young XI was pitted against the former. A 3-1 surprise Ligue 1 package win followed for Lens before Ten Hag’s side finished their preparations with a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao, and a seventh straight Premier League home win should now be on the menu for Man United on a Monday night.
The Red Devils have only been beaten once at Old Trafford in the 2022-23 Premier League, although that happened on the opening weekend against Brighton & Hove Albion, potentially sparking fear among the most superstitious supporters who are wary of even the famous rebounder from the new coach.
Despite labeling Wolves’ survival last season his ‘most difficult achievement’ of his managerial career to date, complaints about Molineux powers have proved too difficult for the former Spain, Sevilla and Real head coach to deal with Madrid Julen Lopetegui.
.
Amid rumors of bitter feuds with Fosun over how much money Wolves should spend in the summer transfer market, Lopetegui left his office just days before the start of the Premier League season, leaving the post vacant for former Bournemouth head coach Gary. O\’Neil to take over.
The 40-year-old defied all odds to keep the Cherries afloat after their nightmarish start under Scott Parker, but the Bournemouth board felt it necessary to sack him despite his commendable performance. enough time to get used to its new crop of players. However, there is a familiarity in the visiting ranks as there have been just two new first-team arrivals this summer – including Matt Doherty, who returned for a second stint in Wolves colors – and they have played a quintet of unbeaten friendlies, beat Porto and Rennes before the coaching reshuffle.
However, Wolves have failed to win any of their last eight Premier League away games of the 2022/23 season – a streak which includes a 2-0 loss to Man United on May 13 – and have just 12 goals to their credit on the opposing turf. After last season’s efforts, hopes of a giant opening day kill are slim to say the least.
As Harry Kane prioritizes German football supremacy with Bayern Munich in his quest for the all-time Premier League goalscoring record, Man United have set their sights on Danish protege Rasmus Hojlund, but the former striker of Atalanta BC will have to wait a little longer. to a back injury.
Hojlund is joined in a crowded infirmary by Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Dean Henderson (hamstring), Anthony Martial (hamstring), Tyrell Malacia (muscle), Thomas Heaton (calf) and Amad Diallo (knee), leaving the rejuvenated Marcus Rashford Doing this should act at the forefront of the hosts’ attack.
Rashford’s 20 home goals in all tournaments in the 2022-23 season surpassed him of any Premier League player with only Erling Braut Haaland’s record (35), but while Hojlund will watch from the line of touch, competitive debuts are expected to come Andre Onana and Mont Mason. Wolves, on the other hand, go into the opening week of the season with near-flawless health, although Matheus Cunha still has slight doubts due to a minor injury which saw him miss a few days of training in the week. last.
However, O’Neil is optimistic the Brazilian striker will do well playing at Old Trafford and if he is fit enough after the departures of failed duo Diego Costa and Raul Jimenez, he will no doubt lead the charge.
Sasa Kalajdzic and Fabio Silva are also looking to make their way into O’Neil’s good books early, although the departures of Nathan Collins, Ruben Neves, Adama Traoré, Joao Moutinho and Conor Coady have also left gaping holes in the book.
list of wolves.
Possible starting line-up for Manchester United:
onane; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Ericsen; Antoine, Fernandes, Mount; Rashford
Possible starting line-up for Wolverhampton Wanderers:
Sat; Semedo, Kilman, Dawson, Ait-Nouri; Nunes, Lemina, Gomes; Sarabia, Cunha, Podence
Only West Ham United have scored fewer away goals than Wolves last season and a Matchday 1 clash with the division’s tightest defensive side at home should closely follow the script.
With Hojlund remaining on the road to recovery, Man United should be similar in the attacking department, but on Monday the Red Devils are still set to peak on day one.
