Match Review : Wolves vs Manchester United
Manchester United started off their FA Cup campaign away at Wolverhampton Wanderers a fixture United have not won since Wolves’ promotion back to the Premier League in 2018. Solskjaer picked a slightly weakened side in this fixture making several changes to his starting eleven. The game ended in a stalemate and neither team could find the net, finishing in a 0-0 draw. This means the game will go to a replay which will add to the already congested fixture list of both United and Wolves. The replay will take place on United’s only spare January midweek slot on the 14th.
Neither team really managed to create any chances in the first half, with best of the lot coming from Wolves when Pedro Neto’s corner was flicked on to Docherty at the back post. However, Man United’s reserve keeper Sergio Romero made a fantastic reaction save.
Romero made another great save with his feet when Neto had a shot from the edge of the area in the second half, after a great ball from the on-form Adama Traore. By this point, United had still failed to have a shot on target, and this was something that with lasted the whole game. The first time in domestic competitions since January 2015. Part of this was down to the lack of goal scorers in United’s front three. Without a doubt, Greenwood knows where the goal is, but Chong and James didn’t provide him with the necessary service.
The reds did have a penalty claim that was reviewed by VAR but was ultimately deemed not enough contact to be given. Brandon Williams capitalised on a mistake by Dendoncker by gaining the first touch, however, the decision was not to award it.
Solskjaer at this point realized he needed more of an attacking threat so brought on Marcus Rashford from the subs bench to try and gain an advantage. With virtually his first touch of the ball, he rattled the crossbar, but Wolves keeper John Ruddy was still not tested.
Manchester United have not had an easy time in the FA Cup as of late, their last four fixtures have been Arsenal, Chelsea Wolves, and Wolves again. Every single one of these last four games has been away from home. Last season their cup run ended away at Wolves, so like Ole said he’s “happier to be in a replay than going out”. So, whilst stats have been flying around about United not improving, this perhaps may be a step forward, even if it’s a small one, nonetheless.
I still stand by the point Ole should be given time, but he needs to be backed now the January transfer window has opened. United have got enough goal scorers, for now, I’m not saying it’s not somewhere that should be improved but its not a priority in my opinion. You’ve got Martial and Rashford on good form and then young players such as Greenwood and James who are coming through who need game time. In my opinion, it should be the link between the defense and the midfield, and the link between the midfield and attack that needs looking at. They’ve got goal scorers but no service is being provided and this was highlighted in this game, as well as the sloppy play from Matic in the defensive role. Pogba is probably the best player in the world for the attacking output, but the whole drama he brings it’s just not worth it.
We have to look forward to Manchester City now for the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final on Tuesday and hope we play like we did a few weeks back at the Etihad.
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Cai Sherlockhttps://www.downthewings.com/author/cai-sherlock/
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Cai Sherlockhttps://www.downthewings.com/author/cai-sherlock/
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Cai Sherlockhttps://www.downthewings.com/author/cai-sherlock/
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Cai Sherlockhttps://www.downthewings.com/author/cai-sherlock/
