Past encounters

By Ivybridge Wolf
January 14 2020

We travel up the M6 to play Manchester United on Wednesday 15th January in this 3rd round replay - a journey that will be made once more for the league fixture on 1st February. After a fairly drab 0-0 3rd round fixture at Molineux earlier in the month (brightened up somewhat by the pre-match Stairway to Heaven light show), all eyes will be on both managers to see who they will select in their respective sides. Wolves probably edged that match with an excellent save by Romero the key point where the score remained goaless .... and a handball goal that Doc should have put away ...... as well as a deflected Rashford shot hitting the bar ....... but other than that it was pretty drab!

The FA Cup gave us all a massive thrill last year. With our dreams dashed from what appeared to be an unbeatable postion in 'that' semi final, Wolves look to go again. This competition deserves a great deal more respect than it often gets and 2019 just showed what a cup run can do for club, players and Wolves fans alike. Much has been said about the number of matches teams play, however I don't see the clamour of clubs arguing that extensive (lucrative) pre-season friendlies in far off lands are re-evaluated or that the erroneous newly imposed '1 week February Premier League break' is expunged before it starts. Those would both be good solutions in my view, instead the FA Cup appears to get the raw end of managers thoughts, disrespect and rath. Whether we win or lose against Manchester United, my view won't change and I firmly believe the FA Cup winner ought to get the 4th spot in the champions league.

So what of team selection? Wolves seem to be at a bit of a loose end at the moment, exemplified by the team and bench picked for the Newcastle match at the weekend. Certainly the starting eleven in that match are capable of winning any match, however on the day they couldn't break down a stubborn Toon side - with little on the bench to suggest changing our fortunes. Will Benny Ashley-Seal get another go as centre forward, as he did in the 3rd round tie at Molineux? He generated one fine run before becoming rather anonymous and was easily dispossessed. Not to be too harsh however, he's young and I wonder if he was ready for that particular challenge - on top of which there have been reports he was unwell (so why play?).

The Manchester United selection should prove interesting too. Many second string got into the team at Molineux which resulted in no shots on goal (as reported - though I have no idea how the stats men rated Rashfords deflected shot off target!) and I very much doubt they will play as bad twice? Old Trafford will surely demand better.

Final word goes to the price of tickets for this match. Wolves supporters were asked to pay £46-55 for this match wheras the league fixture will cost no more than £30. This, frankly, is a rip off and quite ridiculous. As a result many wolves fans are voting with their feet and the initial allocation reflected this. Come on FA - do something about it!

Whatever you're doing during the match, watching or listening, let's hope the lads put on a great performance (a little absent since the Liverpool match) and hopefully put us on the path for another fantastic cup run.

As always, feel free to add your comments to this thread as the match progresses

UTW!

Match Thread: Man Utd v Wolves FA Cup 3rd Round replay

Discussion started by Wolves , 14/01/2020 12:56

Wolves
14/01/2020 12:56

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:02:18:17:02:00 by Cheshire wolf.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
14/01/2020 13:01

Haha!

I placed this thread on a timed start option, so it would be published at 2pm tomorrow (as I am at work), nevertheless that function did not work - so you all have it nice and early today!!

Tonight we find out who we will have the right to play - Tranmere or Watford

Up the Wolves

Reply Quote Report

chicagowolf
15/01/2020 16:24

I never got to go to Old Trafford. But I Am here now, courtesy of actually being able to get a ticket (thank you to the greedy B’s who decided on prices) and getting a cheap overnight flight fromTexas. First time in the flesh since Shrewsbury . Glad to take what I can get 😀.
My taxi driver from the airport was a longtime City fan. Funny guy; was full of praise for Nuno and the gang. He made the comment that years ago he thought he would die happy if City ever won the Premier and now after four wins (and way short of the top) they are as sad as when they were in the doldrums at Maine Rd under Frankie Lea all those years ago.
Funny old world

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 18:00

Have a great night Chicago. I’ve been to OT 4 times, the first about 37/8 years ago and twice since the total revamp. I’ll be really interested to see what you think of the place and atmosphere, as well as the match. Amazing you have been the recipient of the pricing structure - good luck to you. Less than 2 hours to kick off!

Of course, we still do not know who the winners of this fixture will play as the Tranmere v Watford fixture was postponed last night - would appear Prenton Park is in a bit of a state. This situation has now caused an acute fixture build up for Watford, so would imagine Tranmere won’t ever get a better chance. Incentive indeed for us tonight, I hope.

Reply Quote Report

Andy Fincher
15/01/2020 18:22

I agree with Ivy in as much as I wish the FA Cup was shown more respect and that the winner should go into the Champions League, better to qualify by winning something than finishing in 4th place. I don't know but I expect UEFA decide who qualifies.
We all know Nuno will make changes but I hope not too many and that we go with a strong side.
Enjoy the match Chicago.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:01:15:18:25:17 by Andy Fincher.

Reply Quote Report

chicagowolf
15/01/2020 18:48

Thanks.
Never seen so many cops. But easier to get a beer in the Bobby Charlton than last time at the Mol. Still an hour to go though. UTW.
Tranmere here we come !

Reply Quote Report

chicagowolf
15/01/2020 19:18

Full strength squad (plus Ruddy).
United have a strong team but with Lingard and Rashford on the bench.
Both teams mean this.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 19:39

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 19:42

As Chicago says, excellent to see we are going for it tonight.

Reply Quote Report

wolverina
15/01/2020 19:46

Well done Chicago for coming over - was told the tickets were £55 - true? Anyway, enjoy the match - let's hope we get a result!

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 19:51

Great early save from Ruddy, vital. Strong play and possession from Man Utd - ens with Ruddy making a very good collection. Then up the other end and Jimenez flashes wide

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 19:55

Brilliant play from Traore, equally brilliant turn from Jimenez but then he fluffed the shot !!! Arrg

Reply Quote Report

wolf123
15/01/2020 19:59

Perfectly good goal disallowed with VAR, enjoy the rest of the season gentlemen, I won't in principle watch another game till VAR is removed as enough is enough for me. There's no pleasure in watching it anymore.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 20:00

Wow. Another VAR decision goes against Wolves. A rebound onto Jimenez’s arm set up a brilliant goal fro us after a dreadful Man Utd defensive cock up led to a Neto goal. Totally accidental and unintentional hand ball defeats us again

Reply Quote Report

wolverina
15/01/2020 20:03

God - I'm getting sick of this.........

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 20:03

Yep Angry, my celebrations once again have to be retracted. Gutted - and another chalked off for Neto too. There is no way Jiminez could have done anything about that ball hitting him

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 20:05

Bearing in mind too, that not all FA cup matches are subjected to VAR - a decision which in itself is pathetic

Reply Quote Report

wolf123
15/01/2020 20:14

If I was nuno Id order the players off the pitch , only way is to make a stand against this cr*ap. Take them off and go home

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 20:19

Ruddy makes another good save, from Mata, we go up the other end immediately, Conner and Doc hit the post!!!! An exceptionally close offside called. Was it offside???

We are playing well in an enjoyable match - bar VAR.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 20:31

My pictures are freezing all the time, who knows how far behind now!

Another great save from Ruddy ..... that much I do know and we go up the other end and a good opportunity comes to nothing

Reply Quote Report

wolf123
15/01/2020 20:34

[www.thesun.co.uk]

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 20:36

Half time:

Manchester United 0 Wolves 0 VAR 1

We have been very positive and should have scored (in addition to the disallowed goal), Man United look dangerous, John Ruddy has been excellent. VAR rules again.

Reply Quote Report

Lupy
15/01/2020 20:39

Totally agree Angry.

Reply Quote Report

wolf123
15/01/2020 20:40

I wonder if Mcmanamans hatred for wolves and BTs obvious bias against us stems from when I sued the b*astards and it was clear on my court papers I supported the club

Reply Quote Report

Cheshire wolf
15/01/2020 20:47

I think we are looking the better side so far - sitting in the pub with my Manc son!!!

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 20:48

Here we go for the second half - no changes

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 21:00

We’re doing okay so far without creating anything clear cut. Adama, a few maisey runs, been fouled a couple of times.

Neto gets a yellow

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 21:06

Rashford gets the nod from Ole replacing James and Greenwood fro Pereira

All a bit predictable from Wolves in attack of late and too stretched up front to get bodies in good supporting positions

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 21:10

Manchester United, Wolves style, Mata scores on the break VAR checks, looks onside to me - given

1-0 B*gger

Reply Quote Report

wolverina
15/01/2020 21:11

Oh well - should have put them away in the first match.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 21:14

Neto, did some great work on the right, having done the hard work he over hits a pass that’d put Jiminez through! Frustrating. Anyway Neto now replaced by MGW - what can he do?

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 21:23

Completely froze for minutes then. Rashford injured and to be replaced by Lingard. Vinagre is now on too - for Jonny I presume. 11 minutes to go. I’ll say it - I don’t see an equaliser here.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 21:25

Corner to us, results in a decent pile driver from Neves - just over.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 21:27

Vinagre - great run - just as he is about to play a killer pass he forgets the ball. Another truly frustrating moment

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 21:31

2 minutes to go, Raymond Burr replaces Traore who looked sh@gged

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 21:35

VAR on an unlikely penalty for Wolves, not given, 4 minutes of injury time, 67025 there

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
15/01/2020 21:39

All over. We’re out.

A good first half for Wolves but somewhat power puff in the second. Once the goal went in, you didn’t get the feeling we could land a telling blow.

What a shame after last years endeavours.

VAR again providing a defining moment for Wolves

Reply Quote Report

Andy Fincher
15/01/2020 21:51

After those farcical VAR decisions in matches over Christmas I haven't watched a match unless Wolves have been playing.
There's still a dwindling band or strange people who think it's a good idea but the majority, thankfully, seem to be turning against it. Even that jug-eared @#$%& Gary Lineker thinks it should be dumped and he was all for it. According to Declan Rice even the players don't want it. In the name of all things holy, surely at the end of the season it's got to go (wishful thinking I know).

Reply Quote Report

chicagowolf
15/01/2020 22:22

Quote:

wolverina
Well done Chicago for coming over - was told the tickets were £55 - true? Anyway, enjoy the match - let's hope we get a result!

They were but I am 65+ so I got a discount

Reply Quote Report

wolverina
15/01/2020 22:24

Quote:

chicagowolf

Quote:

wolverina
Well done Chicago for coming over - was told the tickets were £55 - true? Anyway, enjoy the match - let's hope we get a result!

They were but I am 65+ so I got a discount

Small consolation, though! Very disappointing - hope your journey back is safe!

Reply Quote Report

chicagowolf
15/01/2020 22:34

Sad result but we did not do enough.
Loved being among the fans chanting “ is this a library?” (I thought Man City was the place devoid of atmosphere) and as the United ‘supporters’ drifted away “was there a Fire Drill?”.

Reply Quote Report

essington wolf
16/01/2020 09:00

Var rules the day once again folks! It's getting a bit like ground hog day and I'm now totally sick of it like most fans across the country. Wolves certainly are not getting the rub of the green with it are they. Is that now 14 from 15 var decisions going against us? You couldn't make it up! Thought we played ok till the var joke again and that seemed to knock the stuffing out of the team because they must of thought here we go again! Poor 2nd half we never got going and you can see how much we miss jota. We need 2 or 3 quality players bringing in now or the season could drift away which will be a shame. Come on fosun give nuno the help he needs and deserves!

Reply Quote Report

Lupy
16/01/2020 09:04

On a positive note Neto is getting better with every game. Looking a real prospect.

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net