31 January 2024 , 22:30
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Gary O’Neil has warned Wolves not to be fooled into thinking the Marcus Rashford controversy will affect Manchester United.
The Molineux chief says he is expecting ‘no mercy’ from Erik ten Hag’s side on Thursday as his own team prepares to extend its eight-game unbeaten run. Wolves have already beaten Manchester City and Spurs on their own turf and have almost a clean bill of health, save for the absence of leading scorer Hee-Chan Hwang.
O’Neil says that dealing with the spotlight is one of the unique pressures of playing for the Old Trafford club and expects Ten Hag and his players to focus fully on the job. He said: “I’m told by people who have been there about the pressure and the size of the responsibility you feel every time you pull on that shirt because you are expected to win every game.
“I’d think that’s ingrained in how they approach things. I expect them to come down and want to give us a real tough game. No mercy, no soft feeling, no consideration that: ‘Oh, Wolves are a good side, eight unbeaten at home…’ They’ll be at it, full throttle and desperate to put another win on the board. It’s what Man Utd have done for the past couple of decades.
“I don’t foresee anything taking their focus off the game. So, trying to judge where they are, mood-wise, after the news that's coming out of Old Trafford, would be foolish. I would expect them to approach it like it’s the most important game they’ve ever played.
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Wolves were unfortunate to lose 1-0 at Manchester United in August (Getty Images)“They’re still a top side. Have they had the season they’d want? Probably not. But Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund, Martinez, Varane, Onana, Garnacho - fantastic players.
"At some point they will click. Whether it’s like they did against Aston Villa in the second half when I thought they were excellent or against Wolves. That side is very capable of fantastic performances.
“We need to be on guard and be 100 per cent ready for them because Manchester United have some incredible individuals. It will be a real test.”