If Manchester United defeats Wolves, they will enter the top six. Will they manage to win this time? The defense questions the dressing room's lack of fighting spirit.

Since last month, Manchester United has had four opportunities to reach the Champions League places (top five in the Premier League) and even challenge for second place in the standings. Yet, the Red Devils have consistently failed to capitalize, drawing or losing each time, including a loss to a ten-man Everton, which has frustrated supporters. In this round, Ruben Amorim’s team remains the last to kick off. The positive aspect is that although winning won’t guarantee a top-five spot, it could secure sixth place.

Because Crystal Palace won, Manchester United would need to beat Wolves by nine goals to equal Chelsea’s goal difference and surpass them in fifth place based on goals scored. Chelsea has scored 25 goals and conceded 15, a +10 goal difference; Manchester United has scored 22 but conceded 21, leaving them with a +1 goal difference.

Wolves have managed only 2 draws and 12 losses in their first 14 games, conceding 29 goals and scoring just 7. They are on course to become the worst team in Premier League history, breaking Derby County’s record low of 11 points from the 2007/08 season. Although Manchester United are playing away, they should normally win comfortably. Unfortunately, the current Red Devils inspire little confidence, as whenever expectations are high, the outcome tends to disappoint.

Last season, Wolves defeated Manchester United both home and away. Their new head coach Rob Edwards praised the Red Devils before the match, saying Amorim has many quality players and will show a "clear tactical system" when they visit Molineux on Monday night, which sounded somewhat ironic. But Edwards emphasized: "Manchester United have many excellent players. Like all teams, they certainly have a defined tactical approach, which we can study carefully. But right now, I need to focus on ourselves and observe Wolves' own performance."

Edwards explained: "We must perform at our best and assume Manchester United will play their strongest game. Our situation is very difficult, but what do you want to happen? Wait to be defeated or fight hard? Some things are within our control, and we can act. Fighting, battling, winning duels—these are up to us. You can’t control the final result, but you can control the opponent, the match intensity, and your own forward momentum. Did you track back fully, take risks going forward, show courage? We did last weekend, but not on Wednesday. Now, we can only do our best and leave the rest to fate."

What Wolves need to do is exactly what Manchester United requires. Diogo Dalot, the fullback who scored against West Ham midweek, hinted that the dressing room needs a stronger hunger for victory, urging teammates to channel their anger as motivation. After being held to a draw by West Ham last round, Amorim expressed his anger and disappointment openly.

Dalot said: "We are very disappointed. After scoring, with only 30 minutes left, we needed to fight for the win. We shouldn’t have conceded like that; we must control the game better. The team should have played on like in the first 60 minutes, aiming for a second goal to secure the victory. We cannot give up the desire to score, the effort to get a second goal, or the determination to better control possession. The goal we conceded was due to poor defensive positioning; we always knew West Ham’s only threats come from second balls, quick counterattacks, or set pieces."

He added: "I believe we’ve already proven this season that we can be a very good team capable of beating anyone. Now, the problem lies within ourselves. Sometimes, the key isn’t football skills but mentality. It’s about craving to win every day, living with that anger and drive. We need to focus more on representing the club, winning matches and trophies. This is a process, but I don’t want to talk about ‘needing time.’ Manchester United must win immediately—that’s the club’s demand. So when we have chances to win but fail, it’s even more frustrating."

Manchester United goalkeeper Senna Lamens said last week he was surprised by the positive atmosphere in the dressing room when he joined. "Who is my closest teammate? I’d probably say Tom Heaton or fourth-choice keeper Dermot Mee, or the Dutch players because of easier communication. But overall, what surprised me most is the team spirit and cohesion in the dressing room—everyone is very friendly. So I don’t want to single out anyone; honestly, it’s everyone."

However, there is no doubt that a successful team requires not only a harmonious dressing room but also one full of fighting spirit—one that can thrive in good times and unite to battle through adversity.