Brandon Williams battles for the ball.

Talking points: Wolves v United

Saturday 04 January 2020 20:33

Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers played out a goalless draw at Molineux on Saturday night.

The stalemate in the Emirates FA Cup means we’ll play Nuno Espirito Santo’s men again at Old Trafford for a replay later this month.

We’ve rounded up all the major subjects of discussion from the clash in the West Midlands…

DOHERTY'S DISALLOWED 'WINNER'

For a moment, it looked like Wolves had broken the deadlock and eliminated us from the Emirates FA Cup at Molineux for the second season in a row. But before Matt Doherty could really begin to celebrate his header past Sergio Romero, referee Paul Tierney - without the need to consult VAR - nipped it in the bud after spotting the ball had struck the Irishman's arm and to our great relief, he rightly disallowed the 'goal'. It meant the game finished all square and ensured we’ll be in the hat for the fourth-round draw on Monday.
THIRD-ROUND REPLAY

After the goalless draw, we’ll have to do it all over again in around 10 days’ time. The replay will take place at Old Trafford in the week commencing 13 January, which means we’ll host Wolves twice in the space of three weeks, with Nuno Espirito Santo's men also set to travel to the Theatre of Dreams in the Premier League on 1 February. Should the replay also finish as a draw it will be decided by 30 minutes of extra time and then penalties.
CHONG BACK IN THE SIDE

Tahith Chong earned just his fourth start of the season against Wolves and his first since Astana away on 28 November. The attacker was deployed in a right-wing position by the boss and enjoyed a good showing in the Black Country. Faced with a robust and well-organised back five, chances were at a premium for Chong and his team-mates. Nevertheless, our no. 44’s tireless work rate and skilful turns meant he still posed a threat for Wolves, none more so than when a pacy run forced Romain Saiss to pick up a booking for a cynical foul.
Chong spent most of the evening flying down the right wing.
ANOTHER SHUTOUT FOR ROMERO

Romero was at his brilliant best again on Saturday and produced a superb reflex save to prevent Doherty giving the hosts the lead in the 13th minute. Thanks to stops like that, the Argentinian kept a clean sheet at Molineux to maintain his impressive record - he's achieved shutouts in six of his eight appearances in 2019/20, including the last four in a row.
Sergio has conceded just two goals in eight matches.
TROARE STOPPED IN HIS TRACKS
 
Adama Troare is one of the most in-form players in the country - so much so he was nominated for December’s Premier League Player of the Month, after scoring against Manchester City for the third time this term. Therefore, it was no surprise that Wolves constantly looked to give the ball to the Spaniard at every opportunity. Despite that, United’s players were more than a match for the speed merchant, with Harry Maguire, Brandon Williams and Daniel James all showing expert defensive discipline to prevent the winger’s bulldozing runs.

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