Express & Star

FA Cup: Route to last eight for Wolves and Manchester United

Wolves face a huge game against Manchester United at Molineux this weekend as they look to make it to the FA Cup semi-finals.

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But how did both sides get this far? Luke Hatfield takes a look back at the road to Wembley so far...

Third round

Wolves’ first opponent in the Cup proved the toughest on paper as they were drawn against Premier League title-challengers Liverpool in January.

Jurgen Klopp named a mixed side for the clash though, with 18-year-old Rafael Camacho starting alongside fellow youngster Curtis Jones in midfield.

Nuno Espirito Santo put out a strong Wolves side – and it paid off.

Raul Jimenez and Ruben Neves struck either side of Divock Origi’s goal for the Reds.

Ruben Neves got the winner against Liverpool (AMA)

United, meanwhile, seemed to have a more straightforward affair as they hosted Championship strugglers Reading.

The Royals put up a fight but were undone by Juan Mata’s penalty – VAR spotting the Spaniard being tripped before Fred was flagged offside – and Romelu Lukaku’s cool finish.

Fourth round

Nuno’s charges appeared to be handed a favourable fourth-round tie, travelling to League One strugglers Shrewsbury Town – but it was much tougher than expected.

Taking on a spirited Salop side with a big backing, Wolves found themselves 2-0 down thanks to goals from Greg Docherty and Luke Waterfall.

Substitute Jimenez replied for the visitors though, and Matt Doherty spared their blushes with an added-on time header.

Doherty's header saw Wolves grab a replay against Shrewsbury (AMA)

Doherty was the hero in the replay as well, finding the net twice before Ivan Cavaleiro finally put the resilient Shrews to bed in a 3-2 victory.

United did not need a replay as they beat Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates.

Thirteen-time Cup winners Arsenal named a strong XI but were two goals down just after the half-hour mark with former Gunner Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard both firing home.

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang gave the hosts some hope, but Anthony Martial wrapped up proceedings for United.

Fifth round

Wolves travelled down to one of the Championship’s form sides in Bristol City last month.

Cavaleiro opened the scoring just ahead of the half hour after some fine work by Doherty.

Cavaleiro came up with the goods at Ashton Gate (AMA)

The Robins rallied, with Jay Dasilva and Matty Taylor both going close, but Nuno’s side held on for a deserved win at Ashton Gate.

United got revenge over Chelsea, who beat them 1-0 in last year’s final, by running out 2-0 victors at Stamford Bridge.

Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera opened the scoring, and Paul Pogba then doubled United’s lead moments before half-time.