It seems almost cruel that after such a momentous victory over Spurs on Saturday, we have to travel to Old Trafford on Tuesday, for another massive test.
The way I see it is, there’s three ways you can look at the timing of this fixture.
1. Man Utd look vulnerable at the back with so many injuries, so it’s a decent time to play them. They’re confidence will also have taken a hit following the loss to Villa on Saturday and hopefully they’ll be feeling the pressure.
2. Man Utd will be smarting from the defeat to Villa and a backlash is likely.
3. There’s never a good time to play Man Utd.
Whichever view you subscribe to, one thing you can certainly say is that Wolves should be able to go there full of confidence and play freely. Those bonus points at White Hart Lane have put us nicely back on track, heading towards a big match against Burnley on Sunday, whereas United desperately need the win. Could that maybe play into our hands?
Even after Saturday’s heroics, I don’t expect Wolves to lay down and die. That performance is sure to have taken a lot out of the players, but we need to summon more of that same resilience if we’re to leave Manchester with anything on Tuesday night.
I don’t really need to say anything about our opponents. They’re a wonderful side, packed full of talented players that can change a game in a heartbeat. In saying that, the loss of Ronaldo and to a lesser extent Carlos Tevaz, has undoubtedly hit them hard and in my opinion, they haven’t replaced those two with like for like quality. Valencia is a good player but far from the finished article and question marks remains as to whether Michael Owen still has what it takes at the very highest level.
But even if United aren’t quite the same force they were last season, they’re still a top side who really should wipe the floor with us if they perform anywhere near their best.
We’ve had a taste of Old Trafford already this season with that narrow 1-0 defeat in the Carling Cup. How we failed to score in that match I’ll never know, given that we had at least three clear opportunities and played most of the game against 10 men. I don’t expect us to carve out as many chances tomorrow, but if we’re lucky enough to get even one, we’d better take it.
It’s a real shame that Mick can’t name the same starting eleven for the third match on the spin, due to that terrible injury to Dave Edwards. I’ve been critical of the Welsh midfielder at times this season, but his energy and enthusiasm are unrivaled, so he’ll certainly be missed. Hopefully it’s not as bad as first feared.
Anyway, here’s my predicted lineup:
Hahnemann
Stearman
Berra
Craddock
Ward
Foley
Henry
Milijas
Jarvis
Doyle
SEB
So that’s just the one change with Foley slotting in on the right side of midfield. I think Mick will want to pick a player he knows will work hard and fill the gap left by the workhorse Edwards and Foley is the obvious choice. Halford is probably still in his bad books after the tantrum he had when taken off against Blues and I don’t think he’s too keen on Surman.
Whatever our manager chooses to do though, I just hope he doesn’t tinker too much with the shape of the side. Our players are beginning to understand their roles and disrupting that would be a big mistake.
In terms of a prediction, I think it’s too big an ask for Wolves to get something from this match, following the exertions of Saturday. Confidence will be sky-high, but I believe we’ll be on the wrong end of the final score, probably something like 3-1.
I just hope that whatever the outcome, we remain confident and upbeat for Sunday’s six pointer against Burnley.
If you’re making the trip to Old Trafford, have a great time and roar the lads on. The support at Spurs on Saturday was again phenomenal by all accounts and more of the same is needed.
Up The Wolves.
I am going to take option 3 please Thomas. There is never a good time when your battling the drop to play them, and I can see a bit of option 2 as well, as with no game until the weekend I can see Sir Alex putting out a very strong team.
Yeah, think I agree with you Pete. Unfortunately, I fear we might get both barrels from the Champions tomorrow.
The Spurs game showed that if you can get a break and work hard as a team for the whole match, anyone is beatable.
But it sounds like both sides will make a few changes and rest players (if you believe what you read) and I’m concerned that the Wolves team that take to the field on Tuesday will struggle to cope.
In saying that, I predicted doom and gloom against Spurs and was given a slap (McCarthyism) so hopefully I’ll get another one.
1-0 Man Utd in a close game. Utd’s goal will come following a foul on one of our players that the ref failed to see in the 12th minute of stoppage time!
I had to chuckle on Saturday when Sir Alex was complaining about the lack of stoppage time added in the Villa match.
It’s amazing how he gets in the third officials ear trying to influence the decision.
Did anyone see the same happening at Spurs on Saturday? Redknapp, Jordan and Allen were all screaming at the ref and the third official about adding time on and low and behold, 6 minutes. I know there was an injury and a few Wolves players took their time, but 6 minutes was definite overkill.
Wolves to win 2-1. Kuscak own goal, and a Karl Henry 50 yard piledriver.
Berra to assault ‘Wazza’ in front of the ref, who gives us a free kick for simulation, and then we score from it through King Karl. Despite Rooney needing 10mins of medical treatment, ref plays 2 mins of added time. Fergie to scream so loud that he bursts three blood vessels and bites his tongue clean off through apoplectic levels of chewing gum action. He is ambulanced off to hospital. BBC doesn’t mind as Mike Phelan does the post match interviews anyway.
Mick speaks on behalf of all Wolves fans by saying: “Should I feel sorry for him? Did we deserve that? I don’t give a flying fig.”
The war of the roses is then re-ignited as a consequence, and we tootle off back to Molineux 3points richer, minus 2 team bus windows. George Elokobi seen shoving phone up Ronald Zubar’s rectum in team bus celebration.
Regarding selection I think McCarthy should go with Surman on the left with Jarvis on the right. But he won’t and I think you’ve got it right Thomas, maybe possibly switch Milijas and Foley.
It’s not the United team that concerns me, it’s Alex Ferguson. And he’s bullying of the officials. I just hope we get similar officials to Villa had as they seemed unphased by Ferguson and let a lot go, as they should.
You’ve been busy recently,Thomas. Thanks for your effort. Still have 3 more write-ups in the next little while though.
I hear Mick is thinking of changing the team with a concern for having fresh troops against Burnley. The line-up may be much different than you think.
That being said, I think it is always safe to predict a loss and hope for an upset.
So my prediction is 3-0, but I am hoping for a 1-1.
I don’t think MM should change the side apart form the enforced one for Edwards, the players have 5 days before the Burnley game, that should be enough to ensure fresh legs.
I agree Pete, he shouldn’t change anything apart from the enforced on for edwards. These next 2 games are the games that the players should be fighting to play in. If you can’t be up for playing at the current champions and then against a team who will be in the mix with you for relegation at the end of the season then they shouldn’t be playing at this level!!!
Does no one think that Henry and Castillo could be in the middle with Milijas on the right? Saying that, Foley on the right would be ok with me. Or he could bring Ward to left mid and put Jarvo on the other side, swapping Stearman to lb with Foley at rb…
Isn’t it crazy that there’s a sense of optimism that we could just sneak something, but you almost want it to go away for fear of disappointment to be beaten by the champions.
Not sure about that Rich. Milijas needs to play centrally for me. Danger of him getting lost by playing him out wide. And although I want to see Foley restored to right back I wouldn’t change anything back there. All of them have earnt the right to keep their place. Your in danger of making 4 or 5 changes there because 1 person got injured!!! Surely the one thing we all got from the birmingham game is that we need to start playing a settled team and not changing it every week!!!
Millijas has not looked a good CCC player when played out wide, he has to start in the middle with Henry.
I agree with Ed Milson. One player out one player in. Foley for Edwards, job done.
Here’s a link to a live feed for tonight’s match:
http://www.iraqgoals.net/4344-manchester-united-vs-wolverhampton-.html
I can’t vouch for it’s quality or reliability, but if you’re in front of your computer and fancy trying to watch the action, worth a go.
I’d also have Milijas and Henry stay in middle, Foley or Surman out wide with Jarvis depending on MM’s intent
Bloody hell Milson, calm down. I didn’t say that’s what i wanted i said it was an option. I think i’d have Foley in on the right as a straight swap though as my preference.
Lets hope that Mick’s gamble pays off at the weekend, after tonight’s team selection. How much does it normally cost to watch the reserves?
What an absolute disgrace. What on earth was that idiot Manager thinking about? What a sell out for the fans that made the trip, and what a smack in the face for the team that won so admirably at Spurs/For this alone, the Manager has to go. All he has done has created more pressure for 3 points against Burnely. Lord only knows what Doyle and Blake ar ethinking, not being allowed to play one of the biggest games of their career.
Can understand in a way ahead of sunday, but the pressure is well and truly on now, i just hope the steam isn’t taken out of the lads who won at spurs. Also Burnley have to play Arsenal tomorrow so why should we be any more tired than them?
Those fans deserve their 42 quid refunded, that’s why i disagree
But Dazza, Mick did it in the best interests of the team and to say he has to go is just beyond stupid. Get real will you
Dazza, if you ever thought we stood any chance of winning at Old trafford then you are dafter than you look. We were never going to win there no matter what team we put out. Man Utd do not lose 2 home games on the trot FULL STOP! Burnley are at home to Arsenal tomorrow, they will play their first team because they are at home and need to win. Come Sunday our first team will be fresh Burnley’s won’t and that gives us an edge. It is far more important to win against Burnley, therefore MM for me was being very astute. If Burnley lose tomorrow and again Sunday we go above them – yes above the Mighty Burnley who’ve had a fantastic start to the season! And that my friend says it all!
Rich why should the 42 quid be refunded? Did we not put out a team of professionals? Did they do better than the players who we fielded against Arsenal and Chelsea and for that Birmingham?? Wind your neck in son and if all you want to do is jump on the bandwagon of other naive supporters then I suggest you do it elsewhere!
And also – “i just hope the steam isn’t taken out of the lads who won at spurs” – they get paid to do a job and if they get a little upset because they can’t see the bigger picture (ie staying in this league) then maybe they’re at the wrong club. And if MM keeps us in the league by being astute, then they will have there chance next year, unless we buy someone better to replace them!
I personally thought they played well today. Our reserves were in a game and didn’t disgrace themselves – fair play!
MCCARTHY OUT! Just home from the game. He has to go! 2 weeks before xmas and he does that to the ordinary fan. It’s one thing to lose it’s another not to put up a fight. Anyone buying into MM’s incredibly flawed logic about resting these players is as thick and moronic as he is. There is no justification for dropping all 10 outfield players, absolutely none. He’s tarnished the reputation of a famous football club, there is no way back for him from this. Win or lose against Burnley I don’t care, he has to go either way. I will be one of many chanting “We want our money back” before the game on Sunday.
Sorry to those who disagree with me, I bow to your obvious knowledge. I thought this was a game football, and one in which you always field your strongest side. So will we play the same team at Anfield at Boxing day.I think the fans have a right to know.I bet Villa didn;t really think they could win at OT, but they did. I bet Burnely didn;t think they could beat them, but they did. How will we feel, say if Hull have to beat Manure to stay up , last game of the season, and Manure play a team of reserves? MCcarthy has thumbed his nose at the fans (nuggets) once too often.If he thinks last night will help to keep us up, he is dreaming. The fans should certainly demand their money back, and the Manager SHOULD BE SACKED !!
Dazza you should be on the circuit fella, you are one funny guy, now stop it my sides are splitting!
Judge the man at the end of the season, if we are 17 or above then he’s done his job if not then fire him. To do it mid season is like resigning ourselves to a certain relegation. Take the blinkers off and look at the bigger picture!
Daz – for the record, Burnley beat Man U at Turf Moor not at OT. If you’re going to rant rant well.
T’om . for the record, where did I say that Burnley won at OT. If you are going to be picky….picky well 🙂
If the starting 10 from Spurs got smacked, it might have gotten them down a bit so in this way, there was no risk of that.
It was a sure way of ensuring the players didn’t lose their confidence.
Apologies Daz – must be the painful lack of sleep. 4am kickoffs on weekdays not good for the soul (or editing skills).
I’m not saying this from the view of someone who paid a lot of money to see the game, or someone who watched the game at all (I only got to watch the first 16 minutes because i had to go to work)
But looking at the side that Mick picked, as much as I hate it, he might have done the best thing. Sure we might have managed a draw or even caused a huge upset by beating Man U. But most likely we wouldnt have, no matter how close the scoreline may have been. The 1st team would have been knackered from the game on the weekend, and even if they would have been ok for today, why risk another injury other than edwards, and save them all for the must win against Burnley.
Sure it puts more pressure on the weekend match, but like Jed said, Burnley will most likely field their strongest side tmrw as they are at Turf Moor, thus risking injury in a game they are not favourites in. This puts us at another advantage over them.
Also the fringe players are getting more experience, so thats gotta be a plus.
I just think Mick is opting to use his head rather than giving too much room for heart, but who knows, I may change my whole argument once I get to see the highlights on footytube 😛
Mick is being shredded in the media over this line-up. Apparently we have a set first team that was sat down for Tuesday.
News to me.
I think that if we look at MM’s decision – we need to take a longer view. Not just to Burnley (which is obviously huge, but always was), but rather quickly to Pool (winnable now?) and City.
Went to the game did you Jed? Paid the ticket money plus travel, be it petrol, train, coach. If some fans knew they were shelling out for nothing they might’ve saved it for something else, you know with xmas coming up. But then maybe you’re better off than me, you must be.
And if we do that at Liverpool, i will be annoyed because we can have them. And also cuz my girlfriend is a Liverpool fan and i want to get one over her, natuarally
Oh and Jed, who are you to be telling people to be going elsewhere? A blog is about opinions and i gave a balanced one
Can’t wait for the write up. Nothing like a good controversial Wednesday.
It was a disgrace to swap all 10 outfield players, no one with one ounce of logic can disagree.
“Keeping players fresh”…MY ARSE!!!!. The are pro footballers and 5 between games is more than enough to be fresh, especialy when the team your playing will have only 4 days rest.
The pressure on MM now to win on Sunday is huge. Sack him??? Not sure, diabolical display?? Absolutley!!
I agree Pete. I think sacking him over this decision is too much but I certainly won’t be as quick to defend him if he keeps doing these sorts of things. What I am most worried about is the psychological factor. What Mick has effectively done is told the players its ok to lose this game. And this effects the whole squad so the players who are being rested to keep fresh for sunday are also effected by this. It doesn’t matter that they weren’t playing they are still being given the same message. At no point in a professional sports persons career should you approach a game to lose. End of. In fact, even at the sunday league level I play at it would be a disgrace
Jed, I watch on a stream and agree with you. They did not play that bad. The Hof in particular did very well. When Iwelumo came on for him we failed to keep te ball enough.
It is a mental decision, and if we lose he will really get it. Maybe 3/4 changes but 10!
I thought Mancienne and George were superb. The best I have seen Elokobi and Mancienne proving he is a good centre back. Zubar and Hill did alright too. Surman looks like a good player as does Friend. Halford was probably our worst player, but he nearly created a goal with his throw in, which Maierhofer actually won!
Louie, don’t think you can sneek Mancinne praise on an old thread and I wouldn’t find it 🙂
All seriousness, alot of good reports for him, but all of them finish with the “considering”! Last night will not change my mind.
Yeah but mate when they say considering I don’t think its how you’ve read it as in considering its mancienne, i think its meant as considering the team Mick put out
I don’t think Mancienne/Elokobi put a foot wrong to be honest. Their third goal was top class and the othert two were corners. We really need to sort that out. In my sunday team, we always have to men on the posts (i go at the back) and we rarely concede from them. We have conceded weay too many from corners.
I think Mancienne is our best defender but a lot of people disagree, I hope he becomes a regular though.
I know the ‘considering’ means considering the team he put out not considering the player.
Louie, I’m sure your Sunday team is top notch mate, but I’m also sure you don’t have Vidic attacking a Giggs or Rooney delivery.
I know but my point was the second goal was because we had no one on the post. unless you want to accuse Hahnemann of weak wrists, which a lot of people would have done had Hennessey been in goal 😀
My sunday is top notch aswell 🙂
My sunday team I meant sorry
Lets be honest, it was weak writs and shouldn’t have matterd about some one on the line.
Who do you playfor Louie, what league? Is the a web site we can see your progress on mate? I would be intersted in following that.
I was only joking mate.
Funny enough, it’s quite a high standard league. I play for the a team seen as Leyton Orients development team. In one of the most watched leagues by scouts (in london). 😀
https://www.ourkidssports.com/Results/liveTable/id/634
LOASS (Leyton Orient Associated Soccer School) 🙂
http://loass.intheteam.com/modules/page/page.aspx?type=home&mid=12572&pmid=0
Yeah it was kind of weak wrists, but the game was over by then. We should mark better though