Adam Dennehey WAFU manager
After the embarrassment of being knocked out of the Champions League after losing to Basel on Wednesday, Manchester United face Mick McCarthy’s Wolves at Old Trafford in what will be a must-win game in the Premier League.
Wolves have had an interesting season so far. Despite winning their first two games against Blackburn Rovers and Fulham, the Molineux-based club have had a difficult time of it since then and have lost eight games so far this season. Mind you they have played better than their position of 16th suggests.
McCarthy’s side have had a decent record against the big teams since their return to the top-flight back in 2009 and picked up wins over United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City last season. They might not have a team full of big-names but they have won many admirers for their hard-work and determination.
After suriving last season thanks to a late Stephen Hunt goal on the last day at home to Blackburn in a 3-2 defeat, Wolves fans will be optimistic of survival this season which would ensure that next season will be their fourth consecutive season in the top-flight, which would be a tremendous achievement indeed.
Last season Wolves frustrated United and after only losing the game at Old Trafford thanks to Park Ji-Sung’s late winner deep into stoppage time, deservedly won the clash between the sides at Molineux thanks to two first-half goals from their muscular full-back George Elokobi after Nani had put United ahead early on.
After losing to Basel, United will be eager of putting pressure on league leaders and fellow Europa League ‘qualifiers’ Manchester City ahead of Roberto Maninci’s side’s clash with Chelsea on Monday night and close to within 2 points of their bitter local rivals. It’s a game United cannot afford to even draw!
So what can we expect from the game. What will be the key battles on the pitch?
Rio Ferdinand v Steven Fletcher
Rio Ferdinand certainly has had a difficult start to the season. However the defender comes into this match in good form and wasn’t to blame for United’s defeat in Basel as he wasn’t troubled much at the back and wasn’t to blame for either goal conceded.
Steven Fletcher has started the season in fine form for Wolves and after impressing in the division for Burnley now looks to be a striker who McCarthy must be backing to score 10-12 goals a season, given his quality of finishing up top.
Darren Fletcher v Stephen Hunt
One of the strange decisions that Sir Alex Ferguson made on Wednesday night was not starting yet alone bringing on Darren Fletcher whose experience and work-rate would have benefited United’s lacklustre approach especially in midfield.
Hunt may not be a star-name to football fans outside of England but the Irishman has worked hard to become a proven Premier League midfielder and it’s vital Fletcher keeps him quiet, stopping him roaming free around the box where he is most dangerous
Danny Welbeck v Rodger Johnson
With Javier Hernandez out injured and Dimitar Berbatov out of form and possibly favour at United, all the signs are pointing for Danny Welbeck to stat alongside Wayne Rooney tomorrow in what will be a big game for the young England striker.
After starting the season so well, the forward has had a few injury problems lately but he’s a lively character and could well get a goal or two tomorrow. Rodger Johnson though is a tough nut to crack so the forward may have to be patient and bid his time.
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In terms of a prediction for the game today, as I stated earlier on in a predictions article, at the start of the month, I believe tonight United will win the game 3-0 and can see the partners up top in Rooney and Welbeck getting on the scoresheet.
On paper United should win the game comfortably but Wolves will make it difficult and will want to give the Old Trafford crowd some further unrest to what has already been a difficult week for the reigning League champions an even bitter one to remember.
By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87
