Wolves failed to win the first tie at Molineux due to a VAR decision deciding that the ball had glanced off the arm of Doherty before finding itself in the net. Yesterday, at Old Trafford, United once again were favoured by VAR when a Wolves goal was ruled out after once again as it had been judged that the ball had hit the hand of Jimenez before finding itself in the path of Neto who put the ball in the net. Not surprisingly, this did not please Nuno, the Wolves manager, who, on Wolves’ disallowed goal, expressed his disgust: “That’s VAR. The momentum, we celebrate then the other celebration was louder. We are celebrating non-goals, it does not make sense.”
Although Wolves last beat United at old Trafford in 1980, United were also without a win in five games against Wolves in all competitions (D3 L2) since a 5-0 victory in the Premier League in March 2012. Wolves played a frustratingly defensive game, trying to hit United on the counter attack, and possibly due to fatigue – this was Wolves 38th game of the season – as the second half progressed they were unable to even break out of their own half and seriously worry the United defense. This was both sides’ 14th game in 46 days.
Man of the Match has to be Juan Mata who was continuously involved in United’s attacks and was a creative driving force. It was fitting that it was he who opened the scoring, racing through before finishing with a delightful dink over Ruddy for the opener.
So United are through the last 16 of the FA Cup, playing, away to either Tranmere or Watford in the FA Cup fourth round on January 26th. But first, bring on Liverpool.
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