It has been 59 years since Wolverhampton Wanderers last lifted the FA Cup. Since then, the Cold War ended, the Internet was invented, and Manchester United have won 10 FA Cups.
Wolves can end a long drought this season, but they must get through the Red Devils at Molineaux on Saturday.
Just one match separates Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United from an FA Cup semi-final date at Wembley Stadium. Wolves have their sights fully set on the trophy and qualifying for Europe. Although Nuno Espirito Santo’s team can still qualify for Europe through its league standings, the team will want to reach the tournament after lifting the cup. Wolves have had a stellar first season back in the Premier League. After winning the Championship last season by a wide margin, Wolves want more and they have the talent to get it.
Manchester United enter the FA Cup quarterfinals having tasted their first Premier League defeat under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. An injury-ravaged Manchester United were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal a week ago brining the manager’s sterling league record to a halt. Despite the loss to Arsenal, Manchester United are still leading sportsbooks’ second favourite to win the FA Cup (Manchester City are favourites).
If the Red Devils are to defeat Wolves and reach the semi-finals, they will have to do it without attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard. The player has been struggling with injury over the last month. Lingard isn’t expected back in the first team until after the international break.
The good news for Solskjaer is the team’s other injury problems are easing. Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, and Anthony Martial are all expected to play some part in Saturday’s game. Manchester United will be without Antonio Valencia, Alexis Sanchez, and Ashley Young, however.
Despite the absentees, Manchester United showed just how strong they are in their victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. It was a Sir Alex Ferguson vintage victory under Solskjaer as the Red Devils won with their backs against the wall.
Wolves have no new injury or suspension concerns and Santo will have a full squad to choose from. Wolves will be concerned with their recent record against the Red Devils. Wolverhampton have won just once in their last 12 games against Manchester United. They did draw at Old Trafford earlier this season, 1-1. Just four of the 12 games these teams have recently played ended with fewer than 1.5 goals.
Manchester United have already shown they can win a high-pressure cup game away from Old Trafford. Saturday’s fixture with Wolves will end in a Manchester United win and set them up for a possible date with city rivals Manchester City in the semi-finals. This fixture should be cagey and low scoring.
Manchester United will win and progress to the semi-finals with fewer than 2.5 goals scored.