Rúben Amorim may finally hand Kobbie Mainoo his first Premier League start of the season as Manchester United face Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Manchester United are preparing for one of their final road trips of 2025 as Rúben Amorim readies his squad for a Monday night meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Rob Edwards’ side have found life difficult this season and sit bottom of the Premier League table, with only two draws and ten defeats recorded from 14 matches.
Despite Wolves’ struggles, unease is growing around Old Trafford following a subdued performance on Thursday that saw United held to a 1–1 draw by 18th-placed West Ham.
With Champions League qualification a key target for Amorim as he looks to secure his long-term future, the visit to Molineux has become a must-win fixture that many feel could define United’s campaign.
Mainoo could finally start in the Premier League
United’s last fixture was just a few days ago, and with some of Amorim’s key players over 30, he could be forced into changes. But, Senne Lammens is due to remain in goal and will be looking for his second clean sheet of the season.
Luke Shaw has started every single fixture for United in the league this season. Still, with him being one player prone to fitness issues, Lisandro Martínez may be handed his first start of the season at left centre-back following his long-awaited return from injury.
Ayden Heaven had a “shaky” game in the middle of the back three against West Ham and may therefore be replaced by Matthijs de Ligt if the Dutchman is fit. Noussair Mazraoui could start on the right of the back three again for added security.
At right wing-back, it will be Amad, unless an unexpected fitness concern arises. On the opposite flank, although Diogo Dalot appeared to flag an injury when he departed against West Ham, he has since been spotted in full training and is therefore expected to start on the left-hand side.
As for midfield, changes could be made. Casemiro has played 90 minutes twice in the last week or so, and could be rested. This may see Manuel Ugarte start in the middle of the park, with Kobbie Mainoo joining him.
United’s front line has been inconsistent of late due to injuries – Joshua Zirkzee performed well against Crystal Palace, but his displays against Everton and West Ham were uninspiring. In this case, Amorim could choose to drop the Dutchman in favour of Matheus Cunha up front.
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Bryan Mbeumo is almost nailed on to start on the right, which could see a surprise change with Bruno Fernandes popping into the left side of attack, particularly if Mason Mount is not fit to start following doubts over the weekend.
If the club captain is to move into the front three against Wolves, this would allow Mainoo to slot in alongside Ugarte and have his first start of the season.
United predicted XI vs Wolves
Lammens, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martínez, Amad, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot, Mbeumo, Cunha, Fernandes.
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