The trip to Manchester is the latest chapter of a thrilling FA Youth Cup campaign for Steve Davis’ side - the last victory coming over Brighton & Hove Albion at Molineux in the last eight.
This journey began back in December, when Salford City were beaten, while in January a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park added more momentum to the cup run.
Back at Molineux, a Tyler Roberts double inspired Wolves to a comfortable success over Tottenham Hotspur, setting up that memorable 3-1 win over Brighton at the end of February, which came courtesy of Oliver Tipton, Nathan Fraser and Harvey Griffiths goals.
As for United, three of their previous ties in this year’s competition have come on home soil. Scunthorpe United and Everton were comfortably dispatched, either side of a 3-1 win at Reading.
The quarter-final at home to Leicester City was less straightforward however – it took a Alejandro Garnacho brace, the second of which came one minute from time, to dispatch the Foxes and book a date with Wolves under the lights.
The winner of the tie will host either Nottingham Forest of Chelsea in the final, but must wait until Saturday 26th March to find out who progresses through their semi-final.
UK-based supporters can watch all the action from Old Trafford live this evening, as the match is streamed online via wolves.co.uk, the Wolves App and the Wolves YouTube channel.
The live Wolves TV match stream, beginning at 6.55pm, can be found here, or click here to watch on YouTube, while supporters can also catch download the Wolves App now on iOS here and on Android here.
Due to FA regulations, Wolves are unable to offer the stream to overseas supporters.
WHEN
Wednesday, 7pm
WHERE
Old Trafford
LAST THREE
Wolves
3-1 vs Brighton (H) FAYC
1-2 vs Liverpool (A)
3-0 vs Tottenham Hotspur (H) FAYC
Man United
1-5 vs Manchester City (A)
2-2 vs Borussia Dortmund (H) UEFA
2-1 vs Leicester City (H)
WHAT THE BOSS THINKS
Under-18s head coach, Davis, said: “The lads seem quite relaxed and have enjoyed training the last three days. Monday and Tuesday we’ve had everyone available so have worked towards the game. We’ve kept it the same, preparing for another game, that’s the best approach to take.
“Previous encounters have already been really good games. They’ve always been well contested. Tactically, they’ve been challenging for both teams with changes during games, and I don’t expect anything different. We know their qualities, they’ll know ours, because they’ll have watched previous rounds. It should be a good game – two good teams and we’ve got a big carrot to get through. We’re probably slight underdogs away from home, but the lads will be confident and will give it their best shot.
“Seeing some gold and back in the stand will make a different, having some support. They’ve sold quite a few so it should be a good atmosphere and a great experience for the lads.
“We’re going to get there early and go have a look around before they eat, three hours before. Get the pictures out of the way, have a look at the pitch, and get an idea of the stadium. It’s a fantastic stadium, but a lot of our lads have played at stadiums before, so they’ll take it in their stride – they’ll be excited, but not nervous.
“It’s been a great journey for everyone – the whole Academy. Delighted for anybody that’s work with the players over the years. They’ve been able to watch the progress and journey. It’s another opportunity to create memories they can talk about all their lives. Most ex-footballers, like myself, can remember their FA Youth Cup days forever.”
NEXT FIVE
09/03 Manchester United (A) FAYC
12/03 Newcastle United (A)
19/03 Blackburn Rovers (H)
29/03 Nottingham Forest (A)
02/04 Manchester City (A)
