Can United Get Over Basel Hang-Over?

After the embarrassment of being knocked out of the Champions League after losing to Basel on Wednesday, Manchester United face Mick McCarthy’s Wolves at Old Trafford in what will be a must-win game in the Premier League.

Wolves have had an interesting season so far. Despite winning their first two games against Blackburn Rovers and Fulham, the Molineux-based club have had a difficult time of it since then and have lost eight games so far this season. Mind you they have played better than their position of 16^th suggests.

McCarthy’s side have had a decent record against the big teams since their return to the top-flight back in 2009 and picked up wins over United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City last season. They might not have a team full of big-names but they have won many admirers for their hard-work and determination.

After suriving last season thanks to a late Stephen Hunt goal on the last day at home to Blackburn in a 3-2 defeat, Wolves fans will be optimistic of survival this season which would ensure that next season will be their fourth consecutive season in the top-flight, which would be a tremendous achievement indeed.

Last season Wolves frustrated United and after only losing the game at Old Trafford thanks to Park Ji-Sung’s late winner deep into stoppage time, deservedly won the clash between the sides at Molineux thanks to two first-half goals from their muscular full-back George Elokobi after Nani had put United ahead early on.

After losing to Basel, United will be eager of putting pressure on league leaders and fellow Europa League ‘qualifiers’ Manchester City ahead of Roberto Maninci’s side’s clash with Chelsea on Monday night and close to within 2 points of their bitter local rivals. It’s a game United cannot afford to even draw!

So what can we expect from the game. What will be the key battles on the pitch?

Adam Denney

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