Results at Old Trafford in my lifetime don’t make for pleasant reading. Played 7, lost 7, scored 4, conceded 17.
I suspect it may have been significantly worse had we been Premier League participants for a few more years at the peak of their dominance.
The losing sequence was nearly broken in 2010 after Sylvan Ebanks-Blake netted a second half equaliser but Park won it for them in Fergie time.
There’s no Sir Alex these days though and the Theatre of Dreams doesn’t intimidate like it once did. Utd haven’t won a title since the great man called it a day and Jose is yet to convince he’s the man to deliver.
I don’t like the term ‘free hit’ but after two straight league wins, Wolves travel with confidence and everything required to have a right good go. I’m really looking forward to seeing how they perform.
Man Utd
As I write this, the Red Devils are preparing for a Champions League fixture in Switzerland as their season begins to gather pace.
Mourinho will be annoyed they’ve already suffered two bad defeats before the imposition of continuous midweek football further stretches the squad.
They were limp against Brighton and fell apart against Spurs having gone a goal behind, but bounced back with two solid away wins against Burnley and high flying Watford.
If they overcome Young Boys tonight, which they should, they’ll return to Old Trafford with renewed energy and a desire to put things right after the mauling from Spurs.
Romelu Lukaku has notched 4 league goals already and will be keen to continue that strike rate after only netting 16 in Premier League last time out, which is low by his standards.
The big striker could be the key performer as he offers the type of physical menace Wolves have yet to really encounter this season.
The Home End
People of my generation all know at least one Utd fan, so I’m pleased to say my good pal Jason agreed to answer some questions for us ahead of the game.
1. Utd have bounced back from those two defeats to Brighton and Spurs with two solid wins against Burnley and Watford. How would you assess the season to date?
We’ve started the season as I would have expected. We’re still trying to find a winning formula and I don’t think our manager knows his best 11, which is showing in the results to date.
2. Mourinho has come in for a lot of criticism over the last year. Do you think that’s fair? Should Utd be doing better or has the competition just got stronger?
Utd are still in transition. Just when we feel like we have the side to compete, the competition spend another 75-100m and change the game. We are getting there but it will take longer than we expected to reach our goal of being champions again. I think Mourinho brings a lot of criticism on himself. He’s the managerial equivalent of Pogba as he doesn’t know how to stay away from the camera and always has to say something controversial. He gets a lot of stick but he has been around for a very long time now and his record speaks for itself. The job is bigger than a lot of people think it is and with his experience he will turn things around. I’m not sure if he will get the time though when success needs to be now not later.
3. What do you think constitutes success for Utd this year?
The Premier League is the most competitive it has ever been. Any of the so called Big 6 could win the league. Utd are progressing more and more every season and finishing second last year was under estimated by a lot of people. I still think we lack the consistency and squad depth to win the league, but I’d be happy with a top 4 finish especially when looking around at the teams that will be competing for those places.
4. Who do you view as your key players?
We rely on players like De Gea, Valencia, Matic, Young (Shaw this season) and Lukaku who’s started the season well. The rest of the players I haven’t mentioned are rotated quite a lot or like Pogba don’t perform consistently enough. Losing Matic to suspension for this game is a massive blow. With a weaker central defence his strength is key and he can also bring the ball out. He is massively underrated.
5. What have you made of Wolves this season? Have any players caught your eye? And where do you think we’ll end up come the end of the season?
Wolves have made a solid start and bounced back well from the Leicester defeat. Moutinho has impressed me the most – he’s a really tidy player and keeps the game flowing. Generally all the players fit the system well. I had Wolves to finish in the top 10 at the start and I’m going to stick with that. Speaking to the majority of Wolves fans I know survival is key but on the other hand a lot expect higher so saying top 10 seems a realistic call.
6. Do you think any of the Wolves players would get into the Utd team and if so which player would you take?
That’s a tough question, but if I could have a player it would be Neves due to him being so consistent and disciplined. Close second would be Moutinho.
7. How do you view this fixture? Are you confident of a good result?
This will be the toughest game Utd have had at OT against Wolves. They’re a very confident side and the results are reflecting that so I expect something really positive from Wolves. Losing 3-0 to Spurs in our last home game was disappointing so I’m hoping Utd step up and don’t under estimate the opposition. Playing in Europe Wednesday won’t help, especially as it’s away, but we have no excuses to play so poorly at home again.
8. What’s your score prediction?
Going 2-1 Utd with Wolves to score first. Lukaku with both goals and Jota to get his first.
Wolves
It’s difficult to predict anything other than the same starting lineup Nuno has fielded in every Premier League match so far.
I thought he might finally give into the temptation of starting Traore after his goal at West Ham, but as someone astutely pointed out to me on Twitter ‘Nuno favours control over chaos’ and so it proved against Burnley.
Wolves completely smothered the Clarets and controlled the entire game. You could see that when Traore came on that while he adds dynamism and a very direct threat, he’s not quite folded into the style of play just yet.
I’m really hoping the team don’t give anything away in the early parts of the game and move the ball around as impressively as they have done in recent weeks. The above XI will give them the best chance of achieving that primary objective.
The Poll
Predictions
You’ll all be pleased to know I registered the maximum against Burnley to move myself off the bottom of the Prediction League table – so there. Well done to my fellow losers who also got some points to ensure nobody has zero from 5.
Dr. Phil is still leading the way with 9 points from 4 predictions, but LukeW and Shready are right there with him. Special mention too for guest contributor Paddy, screaching up the table with 7 points from just 3 predictions. You can see the full table here.
As always, leave your predictions for the game in the comment section below, which is where you can also see my forecast.
Up The Wolves!
There’s significant cause for hope and even some justifiable expectation. If we play to our maximum there’s every chance of a positive result. I’m dreaming about our midfield bossing the game on that gigantic Old Traffic pitch, but suspect they won’t have it all their own way.
Utd remain the strong favourites and they’ll come in confident after two good wins in the league, assuming of course they don’t get stuffed in the CL tonight. I’m expecting one of their players will produce something to give them the edge.
I worry about Lukaku getting isolated against Coady with balls into the box. As we saw against Mitrovic last season and Arnautovic a few weeks back, he can be exploited by big physical strikers. I imagine that will be a tactic they’ll look to employ if they can’t work the ball around our midfield.
Whatever the result, I just hope Wolves do themselves justice as they’ve more than earned the right to compete at the same level. I’m really looking forward to this game.
Brilliant preview, as always, Thomas. Given our present state of momentum going into this match, most fans will be hoping for a result and if we do achieve periods of control in midfield, a famous win is possible. Chances will be more of a premium though and with a world class goalie to beat our final ball will need to be spot on. Visited the Nou Camp last week, electric atmosphere, can’t wait for our lads to grace the pitch!
If we only could score the first goal. Wolves plays better and better football and in Traore we have a dangerous weapon which can turn our fortunes on his own. One of the biggest matches in 2018. Come on you Wolves!!!
It’s always tough against a team who boast so many superb individuals. But we are the better team and it will be fascinating to see how our teamwork and work ethic gets on against their big name individuals. Can we keep the ball off them like we did Burnley? Can we create so many golden opportunities? Can we put them away more ruthlessly?
So many questions yet to be answered. I can’t wait for kick off and go into this match more confident than I have ever been that we can take points home from Old Trafford.
To quote KK : I’ll love it if we beat them. Just LOVE IT!!!
I agree with both Thomas and Wolfstroker above, we’re the best Wolves I have ever seen, and we play football that the Man U fans wish they did, and I feel sure that we will really compete and give Utd a real game.
I can see us creating opportunities against them, but given we had 30 shots against Burnley but only 7 of those were on target we need to be clinical (yeah I know its the bleeding obvious) I just don’t think we have the No9 we need to be amongst the best yet in this league.
Defending I would agree with Thomas, we will do a job on them but Lukaku on Coady would be a mismatch that should worry us all.
I need the points in the prediction league so going for a draw as it would be great to get a point away and it shows we’re a class side that needs to be taken seriously
Another big test, but that’s want we wanted and are finally getting. We are a ‘project on the go’ and will have some blips along the way. I’ll be more than happy to come away with a point.
Just seen this makeover of the lads dressing room at the Mol. I want cupboards like they have with the wolf eyes, and a pitch carpet like that would be awesome in the dining room for sock football against my son.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45567456
It looks quite dark. I’d get a migraine. Note the players names are screwed on; so easy to replace.!
Gold is the colour of optimism.
Man U have a formidable midfield and attack so our defensive capabilities will be severely tested away from home .If we can perform really well in that area their Defence can be got at so Ithink we will create chances so just hope the clinical shooting so far lacking gets resolved in training this week .
Will be my third visit .Both previous times we never stood much chance .This time is different .Up the Wolves .
As I said on Dazzling Dave’s channel last Saturday, (Oh! what it is to be famous) I reckon we can get something from this game.
There’s a guy that goes to the same gym as me who is a Man U supporter and he is seriously worried that we might turn them over. He’s completely disillusioned with Jose and his boring and negative style of football and is not a particularly happy bunny.
He’s built like a brick outhouse so I’m not going to crow too much if we win but I have told him that I’ve got a spare Wolves shirt if he fancies changing allegiance from a team on the slide to one which is definitely on the up.
I still have all my teeth so I guess he might consider it if we beat them.
As much as I would like to, I just can’t bring myself to predict a win. But I am about to check out the odds to see if it’s worth a flutter.
IF we beat them I think that would even top the win at Liverpool a couple of seasons ago. In the Cup, anything can happen, but this is the Premier League….
Sod it! Anything CAN happen.
Let’s go for a win.
Manchester United v Wolves
It was with mounting anticipation and great excitement that as a 14 years old lad I waited for the Don Everall coach in Sedgley Bull Ring on Boxing Day morning 1967.
Accompanied by Roger Southall and Phillip Watton (both of whom read this blog) we were off to shout for our beloved Wolves at the home of the second lot of Busby Babes.
Wolves won promotion back into the big time in 66/67 season after a short absence of 2 seasons and we believed manager Ronnie Allen would lead us to former glories of the previous decade. (Similar to today in some respects – winning promotion last season and Nuno leading us back into the big time).
On the other hand Manchester United were current league champions as well as winning the title in 64/65, they were top of the league on that Boxing Day, plus the club had won the FA cup in 1963 and of course they went on to win the European Cup in 1968. So it was a daunting prospect facing the Old Gold 51 years ago.
Nevertheless we were confident / praying (delete as appropriate) as we headed up the A449 to join the M6 at Stafford (Junction 10 Wolverhampton to Stafford was not completed until 1968).
The capacity of Old Trafford was then around 63,000 and the stadium was full to bursting long before kick-off with 63,450 sardined inside. The game was not all ticket just pay at the turnstiles. Arriving early we perched ourselves right at the rear of the Scoreboard End which in those far off days was an open terrace. From our vantage point we could see the milling throng of countless supporters along the Warwick Road (now Sir Matt Busby Way) as the gates were slammed shut. How many were locked out? I have no idea – maybe 10,000, 15,000 or more.
Well the game did not go as planned – for us at any rate. The finest footballer of his and other generations – George Best – simply ripped us apart. Best was reputed to be a keen Wolves fan after watching our prestigious fixtures in the 1950’s on a neighbours black and white television back home in Belfast but he had no mercy scoring two and mesmerising our defence. We lost 4-0 with Charlton and Kidd netting the other goals.
It was a solemn journey home on the orange Don Everall “Sedgley” coach but Wolves had the opportunity to wreak revenge 4 days later when Manchester United visited Molineux for the “Christmas return” which was very common in those days. In front of an official attendance of 53,940 and despite a goal apiece from Paddy Buckley and Mike Bailey we lost 3-2 in a belter of a game played in pouring rain. In 4 days I had been part of a combined “gate” in excess of 117,000 and witnessed two defeats to the best team in the land at that time and a team that one could not help quietly admiring for their style of play. Busby had 2 simple philosophies really – score more than the opposition and give the damm thing to George Best.
As it happened we survived quite comfortably finishing 17th out of 22 (2 teams were relegated back then) and Manchester United did not retain the title. On the very last day of the season Manchester United lost at home to Sunderland 2-1 whilst a Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee and Colin Bell inspired Manchester City won at Newcastle United 4-3.
Of course these days Manchester United are one of the most detested teams in the country according to some articles. I think a lot of this is down to the sheer arrogance of some of their “fans” particularly those who wear the shirt but have no idea where Manchester is, never mind Old Trafford. Their rivalry with Liverpool is legendary of course and there is certainly is no love lost between Leeds and Manchester United – further fuelled when Eric Cantona left Elland Road in what was probably Alex Fergusons most shrewdest signing of all.
Including 2 or maybe 3 England internationals (Andorra and Poland spring to mind), I have probably managed about 8 or maybe 9 visits to Old Trafford over the years including November 1968 when we lost 2-0 in Bill McGarry’s first game in charge and that unforgettable cup game in 1976 when over 10,000 Wolves supporters descended on Old Trafford and went completely berserk when John Richards put us ahead. It finished 1 apiece and Wolves lost the replay 3-2 at Molineux despite Kindon blasting us in the lead early on.
Overall Saturday will be the 99th competitive fixture between the clubs. Wolves have won 34 and Manchester United 48 from the previous 98.
Wolves will win on Saturday 3-0. We have the quality to shake, rattle and roll those Mancs. Nuno will have had ‘em on shooting practice all week. I have a dream – no not Martin Luther but little old me – that this will be the scoreline. Naturally sitting with and surrounded by “Red Devils” from Essex and Hampshire and Japan in the Sir Alex Ferguson stand, I will have to keep stum as the goals go flying in but there will be quiet satisfaction on the 19.35 train from Piccadilly to Milton Keynes and then the hour long bus ride to Bedford followed by a loud roar – GET IN ME BABBIES.
One amazing fact – considering Manchester United are the best supported team in the land they were not playing at all when the record attendance at Old Trafford was created.
That occurred in 1939 when a FA cup semi-final was played there. The protagonists were Grimsby Town vs ……………………………our very own Wolverhampton Wanderers. Wolves triumphed 5-0 (Westcott with 4) in front of a quite incredible 76,962 souls.
Enjoy the game if you are there bloggers.
BOG
I was at both the 67/68 matches too. I’m just a couple of years older. The company my Dad worked for was based in Stockport and had a couple of Man U season tickets for the reps to take customers to matches. No one wanted them on Boxing Day (!) so Dad took me. What a ground! A cantilevered stand. Seemed huge. Very different from my usual North Bank spot.
Turn up early on the day and pay at the turnstile. No segregation of fans either, which is how I came to stand on the Kop and watch Alun Evans score against us. I digress. Sorry.
Will take a score draw on Saturday, hoping for a win.
Blimey – refusing tickets for a Boxing Day fixture? Blimey – most guys want to escape on Boxing Day. Happy memories Deptford. We both go back a long way with the Molineux men.
I will take a draw on Saturday but have a sneaking suspicion we will win….
BOG
I fancied Watford to beat them – wrong, I fancy Wolves to beat them – ?
That was a great display from Wolves against Burnley, In Nuno We Trust
Jimenez/Boly or Neves to score.
Easy 3 points. We’ve beaten them last time we were in the Premier League and we’ll do it again.
This time, by 2 goals to announce our arrival back!
I can’t see where the goals will come from this week sadly, that De Gea feller takes a lot of beating. Looking forward to the game though as it will be another chance to prove we are in the top league to stay and not just relegation fodder.
I would just love to see Jose’s face if we did them though.
It’s will be a tough game at OT; notwithstanding MU’s mid week game in Europe. My heart says a win but my head says a hard fought draw. I am going with my heart and predict a narrow win for us.
My heart says a point my head says nothing. I hope my heart is correct so I will go for a 1-1 draw.
A Saturday match preview on a Wednesday Thomas? That’s quicker than Traore. Jeez, what are you on? I want some.
Well, I thought the Man City game was a big test but this may be bigger. Realistically I should go for a draw at best, but sod the Prediction League, like Nuno I will go for a win. I’m hoping Traore gets a longer stint in this game, I’m looking forward to him causing mayhem in the dis-United defence.
There for the taking Adama to come on for the last twenty minutes United defenders won’t be able to handle him as they will be knackered, Bonatini to score in the last 3 minutes.
Head says draw but going for a win. Won’t be able to stop Lukaku but Jota will return to form and score two late goals. Maybe.
Not often you can say this but I think we will beat Manchester United at old trafford on Saturday and I think we will finnish above them in the league
De gea may be a brilliant keeper but no better than Patricio .
I think both keepers may be key in this game.
We need to keep the ball and not be too adventurous , let the seconds tick by.
Top concentration will be the order of the day and no mistakes to gift them a goal.
We can get a draw out of this of that i am convinced but a win may be a bit beyond us just yet.
Fancy us to have plenty of possession but not near their goal so will go for a 1-1
Still high from Sunday and have no wish to come down any time soon.
United at home means they gotta come for us, which just about falls right into our counter-attacking cross hairs.
I’m going for the win, guys.
UTW
De Gea is an exceptional goalkeeper and I cannot see us putting two past him. Think we will score one so a 1-1 draw looks the logical call. H0pe the wolf makes them nervous…
February 9th 1980 at Old Trafford, 51,568 in attendance. So I go home to Wales and travel up to Old Trafford on the Man Utd Supporters coach. I am the only Wolves supporter and get plenty of good natured stick off them.
Mel Eves scores the only goal. On the coach on the way back I just sit there with a big grin on my face 🙂
Could there be a repeat on Saturday? Why not eh?
We are in a good place, we have good players and we have a manager who is outstanding. Put that all together and I see no reason why we can’t get a result there. A draw would be great, a win would be so, so good and I would be able to give my brother a bit of stick to boot.
🙂
Onward’s & Upwards
A repeat?
Hope Mel Eves aint playing!!
He was in the same class as me at Wodensfield Primary School……. so I am told
As for the game:
Mel Eves with that flashing header which buries United.
Wonderful recall – last time we succeeded at the so called “Theatre of fucking Dreams”.
Tomorrow we will put that right Sevlow.
Wouldn’t that be so good?
🙂
Header? Eves scored with a low shot from the left side 🙂
My apologies- memory playing tricks. You are spot on.
He played a one two with Richards and beat Gary Bailey at the near post as I recall.
I will take 1-0 tomorrow but I firmly believe and have confidence we will win 3-0.
Mmmmm that would be good
BOG
No need to apologise 🙂
I can still see the goal as clear as day, yet I sometimes can’t remember what I did 10 minutes ago 🙂
We taught northern villa a football lesson last week, this week’s students are the plastic mancs.
The home fans will expect their team to attack us, which is perfect for the way we play. A couple of classsy goals on the break will be the difference.
Chicken Balti Pies 2 – Prawn Sandwiches 0
Got a good feeling about this one. We will have to defend well but I also think we will create 3-4 good chances of at least one we must take.
2-1 to Wolves
Quite a few comments saying they hope we do ourselves justice on Saturday.
No need to hope, we know that they will give a good account of themselves , they always do.
Playing once great Man U at once great Old Trafford will hold no fear.
Let’s go get it
In case you haven’t noticed, all their players put their trousers on one leg at a time, same as ours, and their poo stinks, same as everyone else’s.
They are NOT gods, or fantastic beasts, or any kind of wunderkids, just because they play at Old Trafford.
The first time McDickwadhead took us, as a Prem team, up there, he completely bottled it, played ten reserves, including The Hoff, (remember him? Nor me, thank dog) and tried to get a draw.
We lost 0-1 to a goal from John O’Shave, and they were there for the plucking.
That was the day I started the McCarthorse out campaign.
Nuno will not make that mistake, he will let Maureen worry about us.
We unluckily dropped two points to the other Mancs, but not this time.
Their best player, Matic, is out, and that will be a big loss for them, just as the final score will.
Isn’t it great to be going up there as favorites!!!!
USA is great, but this is one of them times I wish I was in England.
FOwb
At least you’ll be able to watch it live Clive. (I suppose)
Have you not got a ticket Steve?
Nor me lol
This one is gonna be tight like a tiger and I still don’t think our shooting boots have been strapped on fully yet. Chances will be few and far between, for both teams, but I fear Utd will take their 2 and we might take our 1. Come on me babbies, prove this nervous fan wrong……
#FWAW
Really want to beat this lot. con we do it at old Trafford. Maybe.
Regardless of the result, how refreshing it will be to rock up to Old Trafford with a swagger in our step ready to compete.
No 5-4-1 hoping to snatch a point; no “squad rotation” ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Unchanged, unabashed.
Same result for the third match in a row!
Ex hurricane Ali will be blowing through the stands at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. Such is the power of the gusts it will inevitably dislodge Bobby Charltons come over and create chaos upon his forehead. Ex legend Eric Cantona will also become disturbed by events and proclaim ‘ I may be a French man but this does not prevent the ant eater from going in to Asda and buying a sausage roll. At all times thinking of whether to buy a scotch egg to supplement the feast.The fucking seagulls may follow the trawler. But bollocks to it I am mad’. The obviously disturbed Jose will have no answer to NUNO’s brilliance as the marauding WWFC produce yet more brilliance in a 4-0 win. MOTD report that Jose told all the reporters to show RESPECT RESPECT RESPECT. Unfortunately for him there is none anymore. Nuno said ‘our first win at Old Trafford since 1980 . the Boys were great’ MAN UTD 0 WWFC 4.
For the first time in ages I’m confident we can get a result at Old Trafford, so I’m going 2 – 1 to Wolves.
We’ll need to score first to shut them up, then who knows the crowd might get edgy.
This game will be very interesting, can’t wait.
Against the likes of Chris Smalling, Lindelof and Phil Jones I want to see our front three be confident, run at them and create havoc.
If we can grab the early goal its ours. We’ve scored just one first half goal all season. I hope Nuno has got them practicing their set pieces.
I’d like to see a repeat of our efforts at Anfield a couple of years back.
So I have a gripe about tickets for this game. I am a season ticket holder (30 years) and accept that I am a little way down the pecking order for away tickets even with additional loyalty points for some away games I have bought tickets for. But ….. all the allocation for this game was sold out before my points category became eligible. Now I really don’t have an issue if all the tickets have gone to away season ticket holders or those who have been to every game. It seems however that tickets are appearing on websites for sale at twice face value. Really poor!
Do you know what , I sympathise
I too have held a season ticket for a similar time . My away games ( and they are a lot ) have been through my supporters club .. London wolves
and at the start of this season I knew that away games would be tight but I had to wait to qualify on a certain date to apply for an away season ticket and guess what . Yep all gone
40 odd years of being present at all the old shit and now I can’t get in
Where were these people away at Ipswich on a Tuesday night when we were losing 5 / 1
Or when we were feeling elated away at Swindon when pudding Clarke finally scored a goal
Or being at wolves lowest ever home attendance when Tommy docherty said he’d buy us all a ticket to Wembley if we ever got there again
The Chorley replays
Or where were they when I was talking to David Coleman at a Dave the wolves meeting and ted Farmer stood up and made a rousing speech
Where were they when I used to trudge to and from wolves with bundles of scratch cards to sell at work trying to raise any money we could to keep a last breath in the club we love , or sitting on the right side in the new stand and shouting ‘ charge ! ‘ if the wolves ever got the ball in the opposition half
Scarborough away when Andrew ch@@@ore fell through the f@&ing roof and then got a kicking as he landed on the terrace below by some stray Leeds fans who had turned up for us
I was at all that shit
My list is endless but
turning united over in their back yard with a fantastic new wolves team , well it’s not on it
I’m not bitter!
Feel for you London one thing to take from it you and l and possibly others on the blog were there when we were bottom of the fourth division and no programmes on sale for a few home games 86-87 season as they had no money to print any.
Yes friend … comrade .. brother
We were
The right side top of the then John Ireland.
Take care mate.
The bottom of the John Ireland with my younger son, he,s now over 40!. It was then the Pertemps Family Enclosure, All the season ticket guaranteed was a seat, no seat number, you could sit anywhere
Yes Lowves 50 miles from the pitch North Bank, Waterloo Road stand closed how the hell did we make any atmosphere.
It’ll always be ‘ the new stand ‘ my friend even tho it’s the oldest one there
I was in there on a few occasions and the memories are all about the bloody wind and how damn cold it was, we had on 5 layers and hot toddy coffee which helped, but the faire on the pitch was even worse. Somehow tho it was still something I now look back on as good times sat with my best mate in an almost empty stand
I was nervous when we played Man City, but we did so well. I was there when we beat Man U with a super strike from Kenny Miller, with Ronaldo showing off his stepovers to no avail.
I think we can win this one; may be difficult to stop them scoring at least one, but if we have our shooting boots on our organisation could stifle Man U.
First time in my life we have played United and I’ve thought “we’ve got a decent chance here”. We may of course lose but it’s certainly not nailed on as in the past. The feeling is a nice one to have as it means we’re not just hanging on and sneaking points but going out and taking them. A case in point being Burnley. In the past an extra defender would have been thrown on for the last 10 minutes to “shut up shop”. Cue the last minute heart breaker. Not this time though, Burnley never got near for 90 minutes bar one sniff. We can go to OT with confidence knowing the chance is there.
Can Nono Santa’s Wolfmen get a result at Cold Strafford?
Josie Marino’s Dead Revels have backbounced from their horribubble start, winning back-to-black games at Burnley and Watford, but I’m still unconvicted. Sure they are the favorites to beat the wolfs here but bloody wolfs AYE WE AIN’T WE?!
1-2 For the Babies
Romy-Lou Lukaku for the homos, Ruby Nevilles and Jimmy Nez for the awayos.
We are certainly capable of mixing it with Utd from our early performances, just a bit worried about the lack of goals.
Wolves 1-1 Utd
Mourinho is shaking in his boots!!!
He knows big time he has got a game on his hands, but it’s going to be a tight one.
Hopefully, the pack to outplay them for three points.
Wouldn’t it be great to do one over them at their place! I was there with my lad for the Kenny Miller goal, he still rates it Wolves best ever day – the ignorance of youth. But after the Man City performance we can do great things as long as we put away the chances.
Hello everyone…New joiner here why haven’t I seen this blog before? Anyway mahoosive Wolves fan from a Wolves family. We have been Old Gold n Black for generations now. However I’m a Wanderer living in exile oop the frozen north… residing in sunny Sunderland so don’t get to see me babbies as often as I like…My one claim to Wolves fame is I am the author of the slogan hanging in the ticket office about my greatest moment as a Wolves fan…waking up in the morning knowing I support the greatest team in the world…Wolves Ay We…Great blog chaps love your work…???
Hello lan,
Welcome mate love the slogan .you must be chuffed to bits having your work on display.
Wolves Aye We
Thanks yeah really proud… mind it was as a shock when my brother told me lol.
Hi Ian, good to have you aboard.
I bet you were pretty pissed off when we saved our worst performance of the season for your ‘Home’ game.
Mind you, at least you didn’t spend the best part of a grand on the round trip to Sunderland from Wiltshire.
Great slogan!
Thanks mate…Away day at Boro was something else too… A grand? What you travel in ahelicopter? ?
Never travel in anything else mate.
No, we made a bit of a trip of it, stopped over in York on the way and at the hotel next to the ground after the match. Plus, because Sunderland were so tight with our ticket allocation we had to share a hospitality box with a few other idiots who had made the journey.
Welcome, Ian.
Take no notice of Doogle and his pathetic attempts to convince you he is Mr. Moneybags.
What he spent is peanuts to what it cost me to go to Sunderland, and if he had to spend time with idiots in the box, how do you think the rest of us feel??!!
Now you can change your sign in the Mol to read that you also belong to the greatest blog in the world!
FOwb
Ian Davies,
As a away & home STH, I spend half my waking life in the ticket office, looking at your name and statement of love for all things Wolves on the wall inspires me, I then believe that standing waiting for tickets in the freezing rain, driving snow and getting up at silly o’clock is all worth it. A moment of inspiration there young man, I never fail to read them all at least once when queuing to pick up my Golden ticket.
Welcome to our blog mate, I for one would love to say hello whenever you get to the Golden Palace in the future. You have found one of the best blogs around and I’m sure you will keep popping in.
Welcome aboard mate
Don’t try and out drink Witley or Sean when you meet them
Haha duly noted..however being an ex-matelot I have be known to quaff the occassional swift half or twenty two…
Welcome Ian,
Everytime I queue for my away ticket, rain snow or shine, once I get inside and start the real wait, I look up and read the quote’s. Your’s always hits a sentimental note.
Well thought out and to the point.
It would be great if you stay with this blog, perhaps meet up at one of the games you manage to attend.
Without doubt this is a great site with like minded folk coming on to enjoy themselves talking about all things WWFC.
Cheers mate glad my words struck a chord. Yeah I’ll defo stay on this blog can’t believe I only just came across it…
Ian, let me know if you are going down anytime. I am on your route and can give you a lift.
Are you going down on Tuesday and next Saturday? I can give you a lift if you are. I live at DL10 7JP.
Brompton, any chance of a lift for me? WV10 – saves the missus getting her arse in the car ?
The post was meant for Ian Davies, as he will pass my house on the way down lol
That’s very kind of you mate, thanks…sadly I’m not going to those games but will give you a bell when I do go next…not sure when yet tho…work and family don’t let me go as often as I’d like…
Two things from yesterday’s Euro games.
Man U could only manage three against Young Boys, we hit’em for four.
Ronaldo sent off in tears for pulling a defender’s hair. What a wuss!
I don’t know why he was complaining, if anyone tried to mess with HIS barnet he would certainly demand a red card.
Yeah and is n’t he the prat who winked when Rooney was sent off?
Yes, you’re right.
A right old winker!
Really looking forward to this one. Both goalkeepers should be key. My heart is hoping for a win but I am still not convinced by our back line and my head says this will be a draw. Going for 1 -1 . I would love Bonatini to come on and score as he clearly needs a big boost to his confidence to get back to his best.
Tough game to call. In years gone by you’d have put this down as a ‘free hit’ and if we’d have scored a goal in a 4-1 thrashing you’d have said we’d have done alright. But in the here and now wolves are a completely different side, as are United. We will not change the way we play and will go there looking to attack them. Their defence has weaknesses which hopefully will be exploited.
My one concern for this game is Coady up against Lukaku. I think the big Belgian may be to much for the skipper to handle but if ever there was a player to prove me wrong, it’s captain coady.
I think we’ll concede and I think we’ll score. Tough score to predict but I think they may just nick 3 points. Prove me wrong wolves please.
A massive ask. United are no Burnley and they’ll be buoyed by their recent success in the league and in Europe. Agree about RL on CC but we are capable of running them close and could even pull it off. Anything is possible but with prediction league wide open I have to let my head rule my heart and hope that I’m hopelessly wrong.
Haven’t a clue how I’m so high up in the Predictions Table – predictions are never normally my strong point!
I’m going for a 1-1 on Saturday. I think Leicester showed the way on the opening night of the season, when they dominated the midfield and in turn possession at Old Trafford. How they didn’t come away with at least a draw, I don’t know. United were rattled.
No denying that they’ve since gained in confidence and will cause problems via Lukaku, but Neves and Moutinho bound to create chances for our front three.
I’d give Traore a start – Jota and Costa still slow down things too much and are prone to poor decision making. They cause all sorts of problems when they just run at their man.
This will be the first of three favours I’m claiming from my pals,the others are trips to Watford and Arsenal.I feel very fortunate to be going to Old Trafford as l have never been before and it was always on my bucket list.Apparently l will be in the main stand with the “prawn sandwich brigade”.To date the best ground lve been to is Anfield so it will be interesting to compare.As for the game it will be the first time in my lifetime,that we go there with a team that can compete and could possibly get a result.It also is my birthday in a few days and my wish would be that the game produces a “l was there moment”and Wolves are recognised as a proper PL side.One last thing l think if Adama could improve his decision making and could score goals from around the box l see him as a potential Thierry Henry.
This is certainly a tough ask. Sure we recovered well after the Leicester loss, but on the other hand, we must remember we beat the bottom two clubs (at the time) 1-0. This is going to be much tougher. Having said that I would be happy and much more optimistic after this game if we can at least snatch a point. Let’s hope our lads have been practising their shots at goal. That seems to be the only short fall in our team at the moment.
All the shots we take are going to have to start going in soon . we might just pinch this
I’m not sure they come much harder than this. Man U finally starting to put it together and with a lot of catching up to do on the leaders. Buoyed by their performance on Wednesday and with home advantage.
Wolves have shown great performances to date and are gradually convincing people that they belong in the Premier League! Something we all knew was the case anyway!
I think that defences will be the key and both are likely to prevail – but I am going to let my head rule my heart and say that Man U will win with the only goal.
I’m just scared of us dominating the possession and then getting caught out on one or two counter attacks. With their quality up front they can really hurt us if we switch off for even a second. With that said, I’m excited to watch it and think we muster a draw with Costa getting on the scoresheet.
I rember going to OT in 2003 and Camera missing a one on one my father in laws company had a box and Exc: seats which he managed to get for me the wife and my brother in the Fergie stand right up in the gods.
It was not surprising to see Wolves fans dotted about in the same stand and there were a good few jumping up every time we got near there goal.
I think we lost 1.0.
But times have changed and they are no longer the colossus well oiled machine that they were under Field Marshall Ferguson. I really think we are going to win I know one thing Nuno will not do a McCarthy and play a weakened team that still makes me so mad why strive to get to the Premier League only to achive that and then go and play a weakened team at the worlds secound ( Wolves being the first ) most famous football club at there iconic Thearter of ( Wet Dreams sine Fergie left ).
Anyway forget McCarthy he’s well and truly in the past……..thank God.
This game’s result will depend upon which United turn up. Individually, in my opinion, their players should have the experience and ability to win. But, if we can just finish our chances, we would never be a pushover and remain in with a chance. As usual, I believe any result is possible, but I hope, at least, for a draw…
Realistically, whilst we no longer shop at Tesco but Waitrose the Mancs (and various others of the Big 6) have been shopping at Harrods for decades. So they will have quality in abundance. But currently they don’t all appear to be singing from the same hymn-sheet.
We, on the other hand, have a tried and tested system operated by talented and committed players. Like others on here I am worried by the thought of a Coady-Lukaku match-up, but this is probably not the game to introduce Dendoncker (who is one big unit) in the centre of the defence. Still, I’m happy that we are going there knowing that we can compete, unlike days of old when we would usually travel in expectation of a defeat.
Forget to put my prediction on………Dow……..
Cheesie Sham 69 at The Robin Bilston in November………lace up your boots and put your chorderoys on son….!
Might have been better to play Man Utd a couple weeks or so ago. Since then they’ve had a few good wins and will be tough to compete with.
Having said that, we’re getting better with every match I think, but we do need to sort out the weakness in front of goal
Prediction? I’m going for Man Utd 2 – 0, maybe with the benefit of a lucky penalty too.
It looks like my first blog didn’t save…….well here’s the gist of it.
Nuno unlike McCarthy will not be playing a weaken team still makes me mad to this day. Why strive to get to the Premier League then play your secound team against the world (secound ) my famous team ( Oveiously Wolves being the first ) at there iconic Thearter of ( wet dreams since Fegie left ).
I was at that game and the one in 2003 my father in laws firm had Excecutive seats in Fegies stand right up in the gods it was no surprise to me the wife and my brother to see loads of Wolves fans popping up all over the place every time we got near Uniteds goal I think Camera had a one on one with there keeper and hit it straight at him I think we lost 1.0.
Anyway McCarthy is in the past……..thank God….!
P.S big thank you to Twix for West Am tickets dream day out……thanks mate..!
We’ll be dominant with our classy midfield but unfortunately the ref will be a homer, so
Wolfman Jack mentioned bringing Dendonker into the defense as he’s a big unit which would help with Lukaku. He would also have the advantage of playing with Lukaku in the Belgium squad, so may have some inside info on how to stop the gert lummox.
Not that I’m suggesting it’s a good idea……
But Conor will be 7 foot tall Saturday with the ( England call up) spotlight on him , he’ll be fine
I’m going to be there, with all the usual suspects as part of the Wolves 12th man away from the Golden Palace.
I’m looking long term, we won’t win every game, we can’t beat every team but I do fancy us to beat this Man U team, we took on their close neighbours and gave them a wake up call, this team are no where near as polished as them, so why not.
I’m going for a tight 1-0 game with Jota slotting home a Moutinho cross.
Wolves 1
Man U 0
Love the way we’re playing but I don’t think our finishing problems will be so trivial to fix (or we would have done so) and with a team like Man U at Old Trafford, I think we will need players who can convert half chances, first time. I can’t see Bonatini turn into Bully or Ganea anytime soon. Hope I’m wrong. Just think we’re still missing that last piece of the puzzle.
Just loving this Wolves team and can’t wait for each match to come. Think we will need a few lucky breaks to keep a clean sheet but why not another 1-0 win?
Would love to see us beat Man ure, and listen to Mourinho whinge after the game. Alas I think we will get beat, albeit by the odd goal.
Jorge, Jose and Nuno, the 3 amigo’s. I imagine they will be sharing a bottle after the game. I just fancy Nuno to be the one with the widest grin as Jorge puts his arms around his 2 old friends.
I can’t wait for this one, defo tuning into the 5 live commentary wherever I am.
Cmon Wolves, Cmon Nuno, let the apprentice show the master as the Svengali watches on.
It’s such a great feeling to be excited about every game we play now. Only problem I have is if I have a couple of beers before the midnight kickoff I could fall asleep. Best stick to scotch. Happy with a point
…………………………………………………………………… prick
I think I’ve missed the point here.
What’s it all about GibraltarWolf?
Seems Gibraltar doesn’t like scotch or can’t believe that someone would fall asleep after just a couple of beers!
I’m getting old Sea Pigeon, as for Gibraltar not sure but seems harsh.
We live in exciting times. Whilst sure that we will be in there with a shot, I fear a heartbreaker in Fergie-time.
Another 1-0, yes.
Just started reading ‘ Nuno had a dream’ well looked at all the pictures tbh, a few brilliant landmark games last season that’s for sure
Well I think it’s time we had one this year , can’t see the ref not giving them a pen so we are already disadvantaged but I can see us coming from behind twice , one from a screamer from the boy from Porto and either Jota or costa have to score soon , Ruiz to save the pen in the last few mins
Utw
Hope all the lucky buggers who have tickets have a great day
I’ve just watched the interview with Carl Ikeme on the BBC website.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45591373
Top man! But we all knew that.
Interesting that the video has subtitles. I didn’t think his Wolvo accent was that bad!
But it made me think that maybe they should do that every time Connor Coady is interviewed.
Looking forward to this one…my first away game of the season!
It’s an odd feeling going to Old Trafford feeling anything resembling confidence, but the way we’ve equipped ourselves in the PL thus far gives cause for optimism. United aren’t to be sniffed at though, finishing second last season was a bigger achievement than most people gave them credit for.
That being said, I think our pace will cause their defence all kinds of problems. If we can keep things tight at our end then I fancy us to bring at least a point home.
UTW x
I was woken up by my hubby at 3am the other morning to tell me he’d dreamt that we had beaten Man U 1-0!
That’s a good enough prediction for me so if it’s wrong I’ll blame him! To be fair I doubt it’ll be true but who knows.
COYW
I hate predicting a defeat but I’m just putting down what I think the score with be, utd fans bit like wolves fans if they are 0 0 at half time there will 70 thousand utd fans on there back
If we keep it tight first half we are in with a shout
They have brilliant forward thinking players.
OK so Man U are a good team BUT so are we. This game will be just as tough for them as it will be for us. Just hope we can take any chances that come along for once.
Some how I think we will just about have enough for a result from this game that will finally wake the prem up and make them realise how good a team we have.
It seems to me that, when I was nipper, in the 60s and 70s Man Utd away was always our Boxing Day fixture.
Although it’s probably a false one, a little like the memory that school summer holidays went on forever and the sun always shone, I’m expecting an early Christmas present of a Wolves win.
All those years in the backwaters of football, flitting between survival and extinction, from little hope to despair, we have finally arrived on the greatest football stage in the world, the premier league. The dreams of yesteryear are now realities, to see the gold & black playing on the same pitch as the mighty reds, the Liverpool’s & Arsenal’s of this world, this is what we have all dreamed about and now it’s happening. This club, this team will show no fear after all this is where we belong. We will go in to the game as underdogs (this time) and not fancied by the majority to get much out of it. I disagree, what we will get is exposure, experience and a taste of the big time. We will suck it in and feast on the adulation of going toe to toe with another of the top 6 and stating our claim that we WILL be in there and someone will have to make way. No matter the result on Saturday we are already winners.
Great article in the Grauniad today and even the comments aren’t full of the usual sad trolling nobs……
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/sep/21/ruben-neves-diogo-jota-wolves-porto-cricket-interview?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Brilliant Peak thankyou.
Don’t eat too many of those Portuguese tarts, chaps!
Last time we played manu In the PL I was at the mol with my old buddy Rob.. a lifelong manure fan
It was a time when dear Steven Ward was left back and we finished 0-5
The crowd were into it and when they sang ‘we’re by far the greatest…’ I saw tears in Rob’s eyes
How times
Have changed
I want him to tear up tomorrow but if not I’ll take the draw
Excellent news. Lawro has us down to lose 2-0. Will he never learn?
On the face of it probably the most daunting away game in the premiership. However out team is a different animal this season, and despite the comment as others have pointed out we’ve just beaten the two bottom sides in the league, we still have a wonderful opportunity to get another three points. Really looking forward to the commentary on 5 live, and half expect a decent result and at least one point, preferably three points tomorrow.
Definitely our best chance at OT in decades but a score draw for me
Great chance to get something at the so-called Theatre of Dreams. First goal important and fancy us to get a share of the points. Diogo to score. Homer ref to give them a dubious pen!
COMBs!
There no reason why we can’t beat United,and hoping we do.
But even with United not playing at their best of late it’ll be a great feat just to a point.
I think we’ll create chances and so will they,but if Nuno’s got his player’s free from being shy infront of goal we can win this game and that will make the rest of the premiership
sit up and think about what a side Nuno’s put together.
Here’s hoping for us to come away with something.
Wolves Ay we.
UTW FOWB.
Gonna post this twice as the last two posts have vanished into thin air.
Man U 0
Wolves 1
Gonna post this twice as the last two posts have vanished into thin air.
Man U 0
Wolves 1
I have predicted every single game this season, but the prediction league has me down for only 1 prediction.?
I will be praying for this result but hoping for a win.
I’m one of the lucky ones … as I’ll be seeing the boys first hand mixing it with Man U at Old Trafford.
A daunting task as is generally agreed but so I thought we’re their neighbours when Citeh headed into the Mol.
We’ve no reason to feel in awe of going there and I’m pretty confident that we can get something from this fixture…. even Mourinho will laud our efforts.
Probably not going to win but more than capable of getting a point…..
Neves to score just to show them what might have been….
Can’t bloody wait for tomorrow’s game. It’s testament to how far we have come that we go into this game with serious ambitions of going there and winning. That said United have picked up of late and will want to put on a better performance in front of their own fans after the Spurs debacle. Matic will be a massive miss for them so Neves and Moutinho could have a massive say on who comes out on top tomorrow. Something that i am really looking forward to is if Mourinho has a plan to counter act our strengths. That said think we will compete in an even game which could go either way.
I think this going to be an interesting contest, I would love Traore to start but don’t think this will happen, United looked good against Young Boys, but so did we !
Would love a draw, but I think we maybe just on the losing end of 2-1
After the satisfying performance and win against Burnley last week, thoughts turned to tomorrow’s fixture against Man U. My first reaction was that we were capable of getting a draw. However, Man U have shown an improvement in form just lately and a confidence boosting result in Europe mid-week. I think it will be a big ask for our defenders to cope with the likes of Lukaku , Pogba & Fellaini, especially from set pieces, and they will need to be at the top of their game. In attack I hope we can show improvement in our finishing – so vital.
My heart says the score will be 1-1 but my head is telling me we will lose 2-1.
Sod it – I’m going with my heart.
Looking forward to this game tremendously.
Nuno to name same team. Traore to get 30 minutes to run their defence ragged.
I’m backing a Wolves victory.
Bring it on.
I’m going to have a go at the Wolves goalscorers. Bennett to head one in from a corner from the left side of the pitch. Jimenez. Bonatini to get a late goal on a brilliant volley of a pass from either Doherty or Traore.
Sorry Diogo.
I’ll play safe with a draw, but I’d love to see what Traore can do against a tiring Man Utd defence in the last 30mins.
Tough day at the office….
We’ve got this guys, we’ve got this!! Providing we do not get an unlucky break or make a silly mistake and gift them a goal! More LIQUID foot ball like we saw against Burnley. It will a close, tough game but we will just edge it!!
Play with no fear and give us sumot to sharrrrt abart please.
Ryan Bennett (now there’s a man who deserves to bag a goal at the theatre of dreams) to get the first of the game from a corner. Costa to run clear and square for Jota to rifle into the roof of the net for our second before half time.
Lukaku to pull one back on 76 to spark the nerves among the old gold listening around the world. But this is a new era. No Fergie, no Fergie-time, just Adama Traore running away in the last minute only to be brought down by Smalling on the edge of the box. You know who (who?) steps up and Smacks one in the top corner…scenes.
Our Holy Spirit speaks after the game : “great win. Fantastic to win in one of footballs great cathedrals. Congratulations to the boys. They deserved it. We controlled the game and we were clinical. So tonight, let’s enjoy. And then tomorrow we prepare for Leicester on Tuesday. ”
I’m itching for match of the day to come on. Lineker: “Early days Alan, but do you think Wolves can compete with Spurs and United for fourth? Could they do a Leicester?!”
Shearer:”Wow! Well they’re certainly showing they’re an excellent team. What I love about them is the shape…the way they move around the pitch together. They stretch the game when they’re in attack but they’re so compact in defence.”
Dreamland. Bring it on.
Two, one to the mighty Wolves for me, but seeing I’m playing catch up in the PL its ……
I can’t wait for this one and if we score first It’ll be mad in the away end. I can’t see Utd not scoring and can’t see us getting more than one. Jimenez with the goal from a jota assist.
I remember the Boxing Day games Barry B mentioned and also the effect on the second half of the choice of half-time ‘entertainement’ – they played commentary on the goals from their European Cup win and the crowd were really behind them for the rest of the match.
I can also remember winning there – more than once – and have a memory of Bobby Woodruff dropping a long throw on the bald head of Jimmy Melia just outside the 6-yard box.
I’m hoping the finishing practice they’ve surely been doing this week will pay off and that nobody will be able to doubt that we are in this league on merit, so am going for a well-deserved win.
COYW
So, all the pundits say nice things and then predict a Utd win!
Let’s prove them wrong, 2-1 the Wolves.
UTW
Already put a tenner (Bulgarian tenner, but still) at 2-1. Made Ruben captain and removed De Gea from my FF team.
Yes, I’m confident. This team is such a joy.
The head says Man Ure to win but the heart says that we can nick this one.
Going with the heart!!!
I would like to see Traore get a bit more game time as he can definitely be a match winner for us.
While I am hoping for a win I think it may be a step too far.
A draw would be a great result if we can achieve it.
I think we will match them but am concerned by our finishing.
Finding it difficult to make up my mind for this one……..
Always hoping for the mighty Wolves to win but will settle for the draw.
Good test early in the season and maybe the ‘free hit’ will take the pressure off.
COYW
Heck is that the time? Better get my skates on.
So good that Wolves can now stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Man U.
Just been reading about Willie Car waiting on a kidney operation. He did us proud at the Wolves Blog Ball Bash, about 18 months back.
Apologies to Willie – it’s ‘Carr’ not ‘Car’.
I’ve got a feeling, they aren’t going to turn up and we are going to dominate the ball for long periods. If I could pick one game to win it would be this one. I hate UTD.
I am watching it live on http://www.hesgoal.com/news/34209/Manchester_United_vs_Wolverhampton.html
Superb performance!
Proud to be a Wolf!
Brilliant stream, no buffering. Will certainly try that again.
What an absolute top performance. Proud of the lads. Wolves ay we!
Well not quite the 2:3 I predicted but “Nuno’s the special one” must be echoing in Ho’say’s ears.
Superb all round team/12th man performance.
Trying desperately to remember the last time we repeatedly couldn’t choose from so many MOTM performers. Long may this continue.
Proud to be WWFC 🙂
Brilliant so proud out team fears nobody.
I was there, but I didn’t realise at the time how feckin good Moutinho’s goal was. That’s two special midfielder’s we have.
Jesus what a strike.
There’s not many goalies in the Premiership that are looking forward to facing Wolves.
https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/teams/manchester-united/11505583/man-utd-1-1-wolves