Club Connections – Wolves

Of course on Saturday, Manchester United play host to Wolves at Old Trafford. With that in mind it’s worth looking at these 5 individuals who have spent time at United and Wolves in their careers.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake

After being on schoolboy terms with his local club Cambridge United, Sylvan signed for United and made his debut for the club in a League Cup match in 2004 against Crewe. He was developing quickly and impressing in the reserves with fine performances up front.

Ebanks-Blake scored his first and only senior goal for the club against Barnet in a League Cup tie. After a successful spell with Plymouth he signed for Wolves in 2008 leading their promotion challenge into the Premier League in 2009 with 25 goals in a historic season for Mick McCarthy’s side.

Darren Ferguson

In football, sometimes having your dad as a manager can be an advantage. For silky midfielder Darren having Sir Alex as your dad was a slight hindrance and it put alot of unneeded pressure and attention on his shoulders to live up to his dad’s high standards.

Ferguson decided to leave United in 1994 and enjoyed five years at Wolves. Despite the team finishing in the top 10 on four occasions they failed to achieve promotion to the top-flight. Currently in his second spell in charge of Peterborough United, the future looks bright for this Ferguson.

Darron Gibson

One of the puzzles at Old Trafford in recent years has been the form and development of Irish midfielder Gibson who despite impressing early on in his career has failed to kick on and become the type of player that United fans want him to be.

He struggled last season and a move to Sunderland in the summer broke down due to contractual reasons. Technically Darron’s still got great ability and has been rumoured with a return to Wolves in January who he previously had a spell out on loan at during the 2007/08 season.

Paul Ince

Arguably one of the best midfielders in European football in his prime, Ince started his career at West Ham where he impressed, despite suffering relegation to the second division in 1989. United that summer fought of big clubs to win the midfielder’s signature 

Paul quickly rose to stardom, becoming a first choice for both club and country. Surprisingly he was sold to Inter Milan in 1995 and enjoyed two seasons in Serie A before returning to English shores to sign for Liverpool. He spent four seasons at Wolves where he won promotion to the Premier League.

Denis Irwin

It’s amazing to think that for a defender who made 529 appearances for United actually started his career at Leeds in the early 80s. Irwin spent three seasons at Elland Road before moving across Yorkshire to join Oldham Athletic where he made his name.

Joining United in 1990, Denis spent 12 years at United. Aside from his final two years at Old Trafford, he was the club’s first choice left-back. He was a reliable defender who scored many important goals for the club. He is now a regular pundit for MUTV and is still remembered fondly at the club.

By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87