Wolverhampton Wanderers will host Manchester United on December 26, 2024, for an eagerly anticipated Boxing Day clash at Molineux Stadium. Following their impressive 3-0 victory against Leicester City, Wolves are hoping to continue their positive momentum. Under new management from Vitor Pereira, who took charge after the sacking of Gary O'Neil, the Wolves will look to secure three points against the struggling Red Devils.
Manchester United, on the other hand, aims to recover from back-to-back defeats, including a disheartening 3-0 loss at the hands of Bournemouth. This was particularly troubling for United fans, marking their first Christmas spent outside the top half of the table since 1989. Ruben Amorim’s side is currently sitting 13th and knows they must right the ship to avoid any more pressure on their new managerial setup.
Kick-off for the match is set for 5:30 pm GMT, and fans can catch all the action live on Amazon Prime Video, which is streaming every Boxing Day fixture this season. For viewers outside the UK, options vary with Sling TV available for US fans, Fubo for Canadian viewers, and Optus Sport providing the action for those down under.
Team news is central to both sides as they prepare for this fixture. Wolves are buoyed by the return of Rayan Ait-Nouri, who will add depth to their defensive lineup after serving his suspension. Meanwhile, Matheus Cunha's availability is still uncertain, following misconduct charges by the FA, though he managed to play against Leicester. Pereira expressed confidence after the Leicester match, stating, "We will improve the possession and defensive organisation. I just need a few weeks, not a lot of time, to put this team playing the way I want because I know what I want."
For Manchester United, the injury list remains concerning. Matthijs de Ligt missed the last two matches due to illness, and his participation is still uncertain. The team will also be without wing-back Luke Shaw and midfielder Mason Mount, both sidelined due to injuries. Amorim faces challenges due to these absences, but he has indicated he’ll need to adapt as best he can. “At the moment, I focus on improving Marcus and we need a talented guy like Marcus,” he stated, referring to Marcus Rashford, who has also missed out on selection lately.
Fans of both teams are eagerly awaiting the outcome, as Wolverhampton seeks to climb away from the relegation zone, just two points behind Leicester. Wolves’ last outing raised hopes for new life under Pereira, and they view this clash as another opportunity to create separation from the bottom of the table. Meanwhile, Manchester United fans are hoping their team can bounce back and redeem themselves after disappointing performances.
Head-to-head history suggests Wolves can be tricky opponents for United; they recorded two wins over the Red Devils last season, which makes this match all the more intriguing. The significance of this match goes beyond just three points—it’s about pride and setting the tone for the rest of the season.
Given Wolves’ need for points and United’s desperation to turn their form around, this fixture promises to be thrilling, with both managers aware of the stakes involved. With the festive atmosphere and high tensions at Molineux, supporters can expect to see each team give their utmost to claim victory.
Each of these narratives will converge when the whistle blows, setting the stage for what could be another memorable Boxing Day match. Make sure to tune in at 5:30 pm GMT to watch this exciting clash go down.
