Match Thread: Manchester United vs Wolves
On The Beach??
By Wolves
May 12 2023
After a very pleasing week when Wolves have all but mathematically ensured their Premier league position for next season, they must face the challenge of playing at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground, in the knowledge that United still need points to ensure they qualify for Champions League football next season.
Coach Julen Lopetegui will no doubt still be hammering home the message to his squad that the season in far from finished, and that Wolves wish to finish as far up the table as possible. Certainly his players already seem to be saying the right things, so he may not have to hit too hard!! This game will certainly provide a real challenge for his team, although United have struggled in their last two games losing at Brighton and West Ham United, so they will of course be looking for an improved performance and result. However, Old Trafford has also been quite a successful ground for Wolves to visit in recent seasons, including last season when we won with the only goal of the game.
Lopetegui seems to have found his ideal line-up for the last game, with his defence and midfield linking up very well, whilst Matheus Cunha and Diego Costa are developing a very good relationship in attack. The coach has not declared any new injury concerns, so he may well start with the same eleven as for the last game. Rayan Ait-Nouri made it on to the bench for the Villa game but there was still no sign of Jonny or Raul Jimenez. As for United, Marcus Rashford is considered a doubtful starter, so they may rely upon Anthony Martial as striker.
The game will kick off at 3pm and will not be televised. Our referee will be John Brooks, with Darren England on VAR duty.
As per last week we will be unable to provided the regular updates on this board, as Ivybridge Wolf has an engagement to attend, whilst Cheshire Wolf is being taken to the match by his son - a benefit of having the United CEO as one of his clients!! Members and visitors are however encouraged to post their own observations and opinions and create a conversation around the match.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:06:18:15:14:14 by Cheshire wolf.
Enjoy the match Chesh, I’ll be keeping tracks from afar ….. Portsmouth that is!
UTW
Line-up: Bentley, Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Toti, Nunes, Neves, Lemina, Neto, Cunha, Costa
Subs: Sa, Collins, Podence, Serabia, Bueno, Gomes, Traore, Hwang & Jimenez
We are mathematically safe, btw.
If we don't report the dozy start against Brighton and give away early goals, then I think it'll be decent game and we have reasonable chance to get points out of it.
Reminded me unfortunately of how our last season petered out, and how we failed to put in a decent performance after losing at home to Leeds after that red card.
Also not a sufficiently positive reaction to our last away drubbing at Brighton.
As a new Prem manager I hope JL's mindset doesn't get stuck in thinking that every win has to be eked out, rather than setting out to outplay the opposition.
Thought Utd were poor to but they did enough.
The only plus for me was the goalkeeper Bentley thought he had a good game and kept the score down.
On to the toffees next which ain't going to be easy with them fighting for their lives, thank God we are safe!