Manchester United could be set to face the dreaded ‘new manager bounce’ for the Premier League season opener.
Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has expressed unhappiness at the club and has left the club, amid disagreements over the club’s transfer policy.
Wolves have confirmed that after talks, Lopetegui has parted ways with the club after less than a season in charge.
Wolves have already lined up a replacement, The Mail report, former Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil, who was unlucky to lose his job this summer.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24
Dreaded new manager bounce
Facing a club in turmoil should, on paper, be the recipe for a straightforward victory. The home match against Wolves was looking fairly straightforward.
If they switch managers on the eve of the game, it will throw some uncertainty onto Erik ten Hag‘s plans.
Typically, the Wolves players will get a motivational boost as well, desperate suddenly to impress their new manager.
This has worked against United in the past. Last season we saw Aston Villa sack a hapless Steven Gerrard just before the match against the Red Devils, and then hire Unai Emery.
Their players immediately lifted their game and beat United, on what would prove to be Cristiano Ronaldo‘s final game for the club.
Another new manager bounce will follow
Even if Manchester United are able to successfully negotiate the season opener against Wolves, whoever is in charge, the second game of the season will throw up another similar challenge.
United travel to London to face Tottenham Hotspur, for Ange Postecoglou’s first home game in charge.
For this Saturday evening kick-off, Manchester United will be up against it, especially considering the team’s awful away record last season.
Two wins from two games would be a great way to start the season. Even more so, with how circumstances are making it a little trickier for United.
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