United v. Wolverhampton Wanderers - Preview


Set for Debut

By Chris O'Brien / David Hobbs
August 27 2003

United continue the defence of their Premiership crown tonight as newly-promoted Wolves visit Old Trafford. Kleberson and Ronaldo are both in contention to make their first starts for United this evening, with Nicky Butt and Quinton Fortune both ruled out for the Champions. United kick

Manchester United v. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wednesday 27th August 2003, Old Trafford
Premier League
United take on newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers this evening in their first evening kick-off of the new Premiership season.

Wolves have had a torrid start to their Premiership campaign, with no points and nine goals against in their opening two fixtures against Blackburn Rovers and Charlton Athletic, so nothing less than three points is expected from the Premiership champions tonight.

United supporters will recognise two familiar faces tonight as Denis Irwin and Paul Ince return to Old Trafford. Irwin will receive a warm reception from the United fans after ten years service as a Red, but Ince will be expecting the complete opposite due to comments he has made since leaving the club, and his connections to rivals Liverpool.

Kleberson is set to make his first appearance for United tomorrow, and Sir Alex may even give a start to teenage sensation Cristiano Ronaldo, who, despite all the media coverage, has played only 43 minutes in a United shirt!

Nicky Butt and Quinton Forutne have both been ruled out, which means Eric Djemba-Djemba is almost certain to keep his place in the starting line-up. Rio Ferdinand is the only other worry for United, but he is expected to be fit for kick-off.

If Ferdinand makes an appearance, it will be his 50th appearance in a Manchester United shirt.

Wolves have much bigger worries, with Shaun Newton, Oleg Luzhny and Dean Sturridge all doubts. Kevin Cooper has already been ruled out, and needs a scan on his ankle injury sustained in the 4-0 defeat against Charlton Athletic.

Victory for United could see them return to the top of the Premiership table, but they may find it tougher than expected with several Wolves players desperate to prove a point to Dave Jones.
One to Watch - Paul Ince
Paul Ince can expect a frosty reception from the United faithful as he returns to Old Trafford.

Since leaving for Inter Milan in 1996, Ince has made a number of arrogant comments against United in the media, and that mixed with his spell as a Liverpool player have not made him Mr.Popular with United fans.

Ince is a hard-working midfielder, who played a massive role in Wolves' promotion to the Premiership last season, and will be desperate to prove a point tonight.

 
ManUtdWeb Prediction - Manchester United 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manchester United

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 I'm in a pessimistic mood, yet again! I can see Wolves getting an unexpected point at Old Trafford tonight, and expect Paul Ince to be involved in a few tasty tackles on the way!

U-N-I-T-E-D

1

Wolverhampton Wanderers

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