Wolves great Willie Carr's Manchester United memories
If anybody knows what facing Manchester United as a Wolves player is like, it is Willie Carr.
The former midfielder took on United, who Nuno Espirito Santo’s side welcome to Molineux in the FA Cup last eight on Saturday, 10 times in his seven years in old gold.
And perhaps most memorable of those for fans are the meetings which came in the Cup quarters, back in 1976.
Wolves, who were relegated at the end of the season, travelled up to Old Trafford on March 6 and drew 1-1, John Richards grabbing the goal for the visitors.
They then hosted United three days later in the replay – and what an exciting game it was.
Carr and Co came up just short in a five-goal thriller.
Wolves led 2-1 at half time through goals from Richards and Steve Kindon, with Stuart Pearson scoring for United.
Brian Greenhoff’s strike then took the tie into extra time, where Sammy McIlroy scored the winner.
United went on to reach the final, losing 1-0 to Southampton.
“I used to love playing against United as there always used to be a great atmosphere,” said Carr, who has recently undergone a successful kidney transplant.
“We drew 1-1 at their place and lost the replay which was a shame as we gave it our all.
“United ended up getting to the final that year, of course, and it was disappointing to lose in the quarters, but it was always special playing them.”
And Carr later had the joy of beating United – three times on the bounce.
The first saw John Barnwell’s Wolves run out 3-1 victors at Molineux on September 22, 1979 in the First Division, with Andy Gray, Kenny Hibbitt and Richards on the scoresheet.
They then won 1-0 on the road on February 9, 1980, Mel Eves the scorer, and by the same scoreline on August 19 of that year, George Berry the unlikely hero.
Carr’s record against United stands at three wins, one draw and six losses.
And the Scot reckons Wolves can pull off an upset this weekend.
“United have been on a good run as of late, but I’m hopeful we can beat them 2-1,” said Carr.
“They’ve got some players in good form.
“Romelu Lukaku is scoring again and Marcus Rashford really is a top player who has everything in his locker.
“But we’ve got Raul Jimenez, who is scoring freely, and a top team all-round.
“Conor Coady is the skipper and moving him to defence was a masterstroke by Nuno.
“We seem to do better against the bigger teams as well.”
He added: “Whatever happens, I’m sure we’ll give them a good go.”
