WOLVES 0, MAN UTD 0
Manchester United were the more contented side after avoiding a repeat of last season’s Emirates FA Cup, quarter-final defeat at Wolves.
What appeared one of the glamour ties of the third round proved anything but that as these two Premier League sides slugged out a forgettable tie at the end of a congested holiday period.
The game lacked a spark and produced a pitifully low five goal attempts and only two on target, both saved by United goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
United, who failed to register one chance on target for the first time since a Premier League game against Southampton in 2015, will point to substitute Marcus Rashford striking the bar and having two penalty shouts brushed away.
Wolves’ Raul Jimenez also struck the frame of the goal and Matt Doherty had a goal chalked out by VAR for handball.
That was effectively the story of the match which will not linger long in the memory, though United had an encouraging 58 per cent possession.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was not fazed by the prospect of having eight games in 25 days in the remainder of January.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnd when asked if he would have preferred to see the tie settled at Molineux, he said: “I would rather have a replay than going out.
“The debate is not only about the top teams having too many games, but about the romance as Rochdale will be going to Newcastle for a replay.
“We had nine games in 29 or 30 days in December and we will carry on. That is the schedule and we have to accept it.
“I don’t worry about having another game, it means we have to train less.”
Solskjaer thought his side was “jaded and looked tired” in the second half, believing the heavy schedule of games.
Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo was happy with his side’s performance in what he described as a “tough game” saying both sides had chances to win.
With a replay to add to a congested fixture list, he added he would have preferred the game to go straight to penalties.
Solskjaer made seven changes from the side that lost at Arsenal on New Year’s Day.
Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard were ruled out through illness, but also losing their places were David De Gea, Aaaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Fred and Rashford.
Into the team came Sergio Romero, Ashley Young, Brandon Williams, Andreas Pereira, Tahith Chong, Juan Mata and Mason Greenwood.
Wolves also played a weakened side making five changes from the side beaten at Watford on New Year’s Day with Rui Patricio, Ryan Bennett, Raul Jimenez, Jonny Otto and Joao Moutinho all on the bench.
Greenwood had an early chance for United but fired over.
Wolves were the more dangerous side as Romain Saiss glanced header was deflected for a corner from which Matt Doherty’s shot was well kept out by Romero.
United had a shout for a penalty rejected by referee Paul Tierney and verified by VAR after Williams tumbled from a challenge by Leander Dendoncker.
Daniel James dragged a shot disappointing wide for United towards the end of an eminently forgettable opening half.
United had an injury scare early in the second half when Romero went down holding his hamstring.
He was able to continue after treatment and soon had to save a powerful shot from Pedro Neto.
Mata saw a free kick flash past the upright after Saiss had been booked for scything down Chong just outside the penalty area.
United made a double change with 20 minutes left as Mata and James made way for Fred and Rashford who immediately almost made the crucial breakthrough.
He cut in from the left and saw his shot deflect off Conor Coady and loop on to the crossbar.
United had an almighty let off with 14 minutes left when Doherty had a goal ruled out by VAR for handball.
The wing-back converted Jonny’s cross but replays showed the header appear to roll down his arm.
United had another escape when Jimenez made a solo break and, with no support, had a strike at goal from what seemed an impossible angle only for the ball to hit the upright high up.
Diogo Dalot replaced Chong, United’s last change, with eight minutes left.
United also had a second penalty appeal rejected, this time when Rashford went down in hope following a challenge by Ruben Neves.
Dalot made a chance towards the end of six minutes of added time but his shot, which looked on target, struck Greenwood and flew wide as the game ended in stalemate.