Will it be the ‘Theatre of dreams' or more likely the ‘Theatre of despair'?

Last updated : 27 August 2003 By Dave Burgess

Last season this was the sort of fixture you dreamed, as a Wolves fan, of seeing. They don’t come any bigger than Manchester United.

However, given the appalling start to the season, and a woefully under strength squad we have to choose from, most fans are now cringing at the prospect of tonights live TV encounter.


The media are saying that Man United aren’t playing that well yet they’ve still seen off Bolton and Newcastle already. Red supporters are worried that Van Nistelrooy hasn’t hit top form yet but he’s scored twice, one more than the entire Wolves team has managed.


Our defence has already conceded nine goals at an average of 4.5 per game, so it doesn’t bode well does it really?


The bookies are offering very short odds on a 4-0 scoreline for the hosts and the odds on us winning are as long as you are likely to see in a two-horse race.


This was never a fixture where we thought we could get any points but to get another thrashing would be a major setback so early in the season.


Jones only has the squad he’s had for the last two games to choose from. With the continued absence of key players he has to find a way of putting out a team and a formation that will at least battle to keep the scoreline respectable.


We’ve given lesser players far too much time and space in the first 180 minutes of the season. People like Giggs, Ronaldo and Scholes won’t need an invitation to attack.

We all know about the main deadly forward, arguably the best finisher in the league, more so than his French rival at Arsenal. However, Man United have attacking threats all over the pitch so anyone can score from anywhere.


If nothing else we’ll see tonight how the game should be played and what can be achieved by one of Europe’s best club sides.


I’m hopeful that Ferguson will have scouted us and
realised he can introduce the ‘fringe’ players for a full game much like he does for Carling Cup encounters (please, please, please Forlan). Sure, it’s embarrassing for us, that Sir Alex knows he can play squad players and still win comfortably, but the difference in class is something we’ve only heard about – tonight we’ll see it first hand.


As for the Wolves formation well even 10-0-0 wouldn’t work, nor would nailing the goals up with planks of wood.


Jones will only surely play one forward, Blake which invites pressure as we’ll probably never cross the halfway line, but if we keep kicking the ball off the pitch at every opportunity we can waste some valuable time.


Perhaps 5 in midfield as United usually play the single forward with attacking options in abundance provided from the supporting midfield. Perhaps if we can frustrate United for a while then the fans, expecting a rout, might start to show their frustrations.


The game marks a return to a previous club for both Paul Ince and Denis Irwin. I’m sure they will enjoy catching up with old pals and will not want to embarrass themselves but perhaps after the game they might both decide enough is enough and retire! ;-)


Having seen Portsmouth go temporarily top of the division last night is another kick in the teeth for Wolves fans. We were told that Pompey had no money yet they seem to be faring remarkably better than ourselves. Perhaps the comparisons will be made on Saturday when we face our south-coast rivals.


As for tonight, well I’ll be there. Living in Manchester it’s one of the easiest games for me to travel to all season.


Let’s just hope the prawn sandwiches are as good as they say!


Please – single figures only!


E-mail me with any comments/feedback to: dave@wolves-mad.co.uk