Premier League preview: Wolves pose true test for Manchester United

Solskjaer’s Manchester United lost on both visits to Molineux last season. Wolves is unbeaten at home in its last eight matches in the Premier League.

New signing Harry Maguire has made an instant impact in United's defence.

After the negativity that greeted United securing just three new signings in the transfer window, the comprehensive margin of victory over Chelsea was the perfect tonic for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James all made a big impact as United registered just its second clean sheet at home in the Premier League under the Norwegian, while James came off the bench to score the final goal.

However, a Monday night trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers will be another tough test of United’s ambitions this season.

Solskjaer’s men lost on both visits to Molineux last season. Wolves is unbeaten at home in its last eight matches in the Premier League.

Marcus Rashford struck twice in Manchester United's 4-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

 

“When you start the season like this, the club, the supporters, everyone goes home bouncing and happy. Now it’s about levelling out,” said Solskjaer.

“We know the last two games went against them when I was there. We just have to make sure we do everything we can and there’s no repeat of that scoreline.”

Nuno Espirito Santo's side started the season with a goalless draw away to Leicester City last week. On Thursday night, a youthful side registered a comprehensive 4-0 win over Pyunik to progress into the playoff round of the Europa League qualifiers. 

The Portuguese manager is likely to revert to the side which lined up against Leicester for United's visit.

Diogo Jota scored a goal each in Wolves' wins over United last season. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

 

Wolves have been impressive in Europe this season scoring 14 goals in its four qualification matches. Striker Raul Jimenez, who scored in 2-1 win over United in the FA Cup quarterfinals last season, has so far netted four goals and will be the key goal threat up front alongside strike partner Diogo Jota.

Solsjkaer said that he found it hard to break down Wolves' deep defensive block as United came unstuck twice in the FA Cup and the Premier League.

"They can counter-attack and their set-pieces are always dangerous. We’ve been looking at the games last season to see if there’s anything different to do this time, but our form, our attitude and the mood after the Chelsea win is great so we go into the game confident," said the former striker.

(With inputs from Opta )