Manchester United enter their final game of 2025 facing a significant fitness crisis as they prepare to host Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight. Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he will be without at least four regular starters, including club captain Bruno Fernandes, who is struggling with a hamstring injury. Despite Fernandes’ public plea to return to training early, Amorim has taken a cautious approach, ruling him out of the Wolves clash.
The injury list does not end there. Central defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire remain sidelined, leaving the United backline looking thin. In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo is back on the training pitch but is not yet match-fit, while Mason Mount is a late doubt after suffering from muscle tightness during the Boxing Day win over Newcastle. Compounding these issues is the loss of Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo to the Africa Cup of Nations, stripping the squad of vital depth in wide areas.
To counter these absences, Amorim is expected to hand starts to several fringe players and youngsters. Jack Fletcher, son of United legend Darren Fletcher, could be set for a significant role in midfield alongside Manuel Ugarte. In goal, Lammens is tipped to start as United look to maintain their push for a top-four spot. The tactical focus will likely shift to a 4-3-3 system, a departure from the three-man defense Amorim favored earlier in his tenure, as he attempts to stabilize a team missing its core leaders.
Wolves, currently struggling at the bottom of the table with only two points, might seem like the ideal opponent during an injury crisis. However, Amorim has warned against complacency, noting that the pressure of the festive schedule can lead to unpredictable results. United fans will be hoping that the makeshift team can secure three points to keep the club within touching distance of the Champions League places as the new year approaches.