Ralf Rangnick managed to close out 2021 by maintaining his unbeaten record with the Red Devils. After comfortably beating bottom of the table side Burnley 3-1 , Manchester United are 6th in the Premier League standings going into the new year, on equal points with 5th placed West Ham, while having played a game less. This was also the perfect gift for Sir Alex Ferguson as he celebrated his 80th birthday with a United victory.

The first opposition the Red Devils face off in 2022 comes in the form of the Wolves. United look to open their account in 2022 the same way they signed off 2021, winning 3 points at Old Trafford. In the Burnley game, Ralf Rangnick made a total of 6 changes to the starting lineup after drawing Newcastle, and the scoreline reflected why it was necessary. Scott McTominay was the hero for United, putting on a sensational showing, as well as opening the scoring with an absolute banger of a goal. As a whole, United looked like the team that they should have been, dominating the majority of the game, and never really looking in danger of losing at all.

Despite only winning 1 game in their last 5, the Wolves have actually been with decent form of late. During their last game, the Wolves were able to hold Chelsea to a goalless draw at the Molineux. Other than that, 2 of their losses were 1-0 against Liverpool and Manchester City, so not bad by any measure. Having played their last game on the 19th of December, the Wolves will have plenty of time to recover and recuperate, and go into their first game of 2022 as fresh as one could possibly hope for. But is it enough to overcome the Red Devils?

In their past 5 encounters, United have won 4 of their last 5 encounters, and drawn once. A point of note is that of the 4 wins, all of them have been by 1 goal margins, with not much separating both sides. As far as form goes, Ralf Rangnick seems to have found a working formula for his squad of superstars, and will look to make that work against the plucky Wolves. Defensively, David De Gea continues to impress for United behind the sticks, and should Harry Maguire play like how one of the most expensive defenders in the world should, they should barely have to worry about conceding.

Our verdict: a United win at home by a 2-0 scoreline, and for United to return to winning ways.