Football News

Manchester United without midfielder for tricky Wolverhampton Wanderers FA Cup contest

Manchester United head to Molineaux to play Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup third round on Saturday afternoon. It is a venue that has not been kind to the Red Devils in recent seasons.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have posted a 2W-1D-0L record against Manchester United in their last three matches at Molineaux. That record includes a 2-1 win in the FA Cup quarterfinals last season in which Wolves bossed the game.

Manchester United drew 1-1 with Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this season at Molineaux and now go to the Midlands hoping for their first win at the stadium in three tries.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s team reached the FA Cup semifinals last season and had one foot in the final. However, a spirited Watford come back and goal in extra-time doomed Wolves on the day. Santo will hope his side can win again versus Manchester United and go deep into the competition.

Manchester United injuries

One player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won’t have at his disposal for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round match is midfielder Paul Pogba. The Frenchman, who has been once again linked with a move away from Old Trafford by agent Mino Raiola, is injured and it is claimed foot surgery is now required.

Pogba featured against Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this season and had the chance to win the game for the Red Devils from the penalty spot. His second-half spot-kick was saved by Rui Patricio keeping the scoreline at 1-1.

Pogba and Raiola have continued to insult Manchester United in recent weeks. It is believed that is one reason Pogba was left out of Manchester United’s squad against Arsenal. Pogba’s desire to leave Manchester United continues to overshadow the team and his time at Old Trafford since returning from Juventus has been detrimental to the club’s long-term plans.

The midfielder isn’t the only injury problem Solskjaer faces on Saturday. Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah remain long-term absentees. Midfielder Scott McTominay, one of Manchester United’s best performers this season, is out until late February with a knee injury. Marcos Rojo and Axel Tuanzebe are also listed as ruled out of the match.

Wolverhampton Wanderers injuries

Santo has added forward Diogo Jota to the Wolverhampton Wanderers injury list this week. Jota suffered a dead leg versus Watford on New Year’s Day as Wolves lost 2-1. The attacker joins long-term absentees Willy Boly and Morgan White Gibbs on the sidelines.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ manager may rotate his squad but there is a lack of options in the team at Molineaux. Santo is likely to play Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore at some point during the 90 minutes.