Wolverhampton Wanderers are on a four-match winning run in the Premier League, and they will hope to continue this when they face Manchester United this afternoon.
The Old Gold defeated the Old Trafford side 2-0 at the end of December to maintain their perfect start under Vitor Pereira, and hopes will be high that they can complete the double over the Red Devils.
Man United were taken to extra time by Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday evening and there will be a few tired legs among the squad.
This could give Wolves the advantage, while Pereira may make a few changes of his own ahead of the clash.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde played against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, but it remains to be seen whether he will return to the starting XI after suffering a minor injury.
Why Pereira must axe Bellegarde for Man Utd trip
Bellegarde played 42 minutes last week against Spurs before being subbed off due to injury.
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While on the field, the attacking midfielder completed just six passes, failed with his only dribble attempt, lost possession six times and was dribbled past once.
He has been a solid signing for the Old Gold, that much is certain. Given the nature of the game, however, plus the fact that Matheus Cunha is ready to make his first start following his four-match suspension, it makes sense to bring the Brazilian back into the starting XI.
This would see Bellegarde drop to the bench. That is if he is fit enough to make the matchday squad in the first place.
How Pereira can replace Bellegarde vs Man Utd
Cunha has a decent record against Man United since joining Wolves, scoring once and grabbing two assists across four games.
His goal came in the famous 2-0 win last December, and it proved that Cunha was capable of scoring in the biggest games.
Metric
2023/24
2024/25
Goals
12
14
Assists
7
4
Key passes per game
0.9
1.7
Big chances created
7
12
Successful dribbles per game
2
1.9
The £90k-per-week forward has been in sublime form for Wolves this season. A total of 16 goals and four assists have been registered by the former Atletico Madrid star, and he has arguably single-handedly kept the club floating above the relegation zone.
When compared to his positional peers in the top flight, Cunha ranks in the top 3% for non-penalty goals (0.58) per 90, while also ranking in the top 17% for successful take-ons (2.16) per 90 for the Old Gold this term.
Hailed as “unbelievable” by current teammate Mario Lemina earlier this season, Cunha might well be heading into his final few weeks as a Wolves player.
Cunha has sparked plenty of controversy in recent weeks, notably when hitting out at Wolves’ fans on social media who have criticised his attitude and commitment to the club.
Should a big offer arrive in the summer, it is likely he will be sold, giving Pereira plenty of cash to spend. The club might not have a player of his quality for quite some time, and he could shine against the Red Devils this afternoon.
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