Wolves vs Manchester United: 3 players to look out for during the game

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer giving Victor Lindelof instructions during their win over Chelsea last weekend
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer giving Victor Lindelof instructions during their win over Chelsea last weekend

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United will be buzzing with confidence after an emphatic 4-0 home win against Chelsea on the Premier League's opening weekend last Sunday.

However during the final fixture of matchday two, they face a totally different challenge against Wolves this time around. The Red Devils faced Nuno Espirito Santo's side on three occasions last term and were unable to beat them in all of their meetings, losing twice and drawing once.

With that in mind, they'll have added motivation to secure all three points in a tricky fixture away at Molineux. They find themselves up against bullish hosts who will be eager for their first win of the 2019/20 campaign, having been held to a goalless draw with Leicester last time out. Here, we choose three players who could influence the game for both sides when the pair face one another during Monday's evening kick-off:


#3 Raul Jimenez

Jimenez in action during one of Wolves' Europa League Qualifying fixtures earlier this month
Jimenez in action during one of Wolves' Europa League Qualifying fixtures earlier this month

Raul Jimenez was Wolves' most influential player last season, netting 13 goals and contributing with a further seven assists in the Premier League. The Mexican forward possesses a brilliant first touch while capable of holding up play well for his teammates to join counter-attacking moves.

In addition, he's physically dominant and can give even the best defenders a run for their money in duels. The 28-year-old has a good track record against United: scoring one and creating two more in his last three meetings. Having only played 20-odd minutes during their Europa League qualification fixture on Thursday, he's expected to start as usual in attack. Naturally, he will cause United's backline problems and is an ever-present goal threat they must constantly be weary of.

#2 Harry Maguire

United's big money summer signing in action against Chelsea last weekend
United's big money summer signing in action against Chelsea last weekend

United made huge defensive mistakes during both visits to Molineux last season, including a FA Cup defeat. On those occasions, these errors ultimately cost them potential victories.

However, with the addition of £80m man Harry Maguire in central defence, the chances of that reoccurring again this season has significantly reduced. Having made him the world's most expensive defender earlier this summer, he has quickly shown why with an assured display on his debut against Frank Lampard's Chelsea side.

The 26-year-old was colossal at the back, marshalling their backline perfectly. If they hope to secure an important away win against Wolves, they need the England international to produce a similar defensive showing again on Monday.

Wolves are a deadly counter-attacking side and break as soon as they win the ball in midfield, which leaves their opposition short in numbers at the back to recover. In addition, they pose a serious threat from set-pieces and this is where Maguire's physical presence, experience and composure at the back will come into play for a United side prone to defensive errors.

#1 Marcus Rashford

Rashford netted a well-taken brace last time out and will be hoping for more of the same in-front of goal
Rashford netted a well-taken brace last time out and will be hoping for more of the same in-front of goal

This season, Marcus Rashford is United's main man in attack and will be tasked with the responsibility of scoring goals galore as he looks to lead the line with consistency and razor-sharp finishing. Having looked sharp since pre-season, the Englishman is expected to prove a key figure under Solskjaer this term.

After a well-taken brace against Chelsea last time out, the 21-year-old will be full of self-belief and eager to continue his goalscoring form with an impressive display against Wolves.

Wolves are expected to sit deep, soak up pressure and counter where possible so it's unlikely that Rashford will see many opportunities to score. However, this means it is also imperative he remains composed and clinical in-front of goal, taking those chances when they arrive at his feet - something he hasn't always done previously.

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Edited by Mosope Ominiyi
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