Wolves stars discuss blockbuster FA Cup clash against champions Man United | OneFootball

Wolves have been in the fifth round of the FA Cup before, but this time, they will look to complete a giant-slaying and topple current champions Manchester United.

The home tie will see a record crowd pack out the Wolves’ Telford Stadium. The players had a surprise at their training session, greeted by the FA Cup trophy as they took the field.

Wolves prepare to host FA Cup champions Man United

Ahead of their clash with champions Man United this weekend, Wolves hosted the media during an FA Cup preparation training session.

During the event, captain Anna Morphet looked at the trophy in awe, but took interview questions in her stride. At 23, Morphet is a young captain to lead a team of this calibre. Yet, within seconds of her speaking, you feel confident in every word she says and understand why she has been given the armband.

“It’s something special. We’ve had some incredible memories in the FA Cup,” Morphet told reporters. “Some of the best memories I’ve had at this club have been in FA Cup games against higher opposition.”

“In terms of preparation, I think a lot of it will be the same. We’ve got to remember our strengths and what we’re good at and how we can cause some problems. What might be slightly different is just preparing mentally for it. It’s easily said to be nervous and kind of get caught up in the occasion, but it’s about enjoying it. And it’s about just remembering that it’s a game of football and you’ve got to kind of savour these moments, and enjoy the challenge.”

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The dead ball specialist won’t shy away from set piece opportunities either this weekend. If Wolves are awarded a penalty against Man United’s in form goalkeeper Phallin Tullis-Joyce, Morphet stated: “Of course I would step up. You can’t shy away from it. I’d love the opportunity to be honest. Yeah, definitely.”

‘Most of my students are Man United fans’

Beth Merrick is the current top goalscorer for Wolves. They currently it second in the FA Women’s National League North on goal difference. She says she’s hoping to bring her goal-scoring prowess into this exciting cup tie against the champions.

“I want to continue my run of good form but my priority is to do the club proud on the day and enjoy it. Such a special occasion for the fans.”

Merrick, who is also a PE Teacher alongside her starring role at Wolves, explained how she combines the two.

“I teach PE. it’s my dream to be able to teach and play football. I’m very lucky. I want to inspire the next generations of girls to get into football. Most of my students are Man United fans, so you can imagine the stick. But it’s been great getting those not into sport at all talking about how their teacher will share a pitch with Lioness Ella Toone. That’s been really exciting.”

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Read more: ‘There’s a weight that goes with being Man United’, says Marc Skinner

Winger Destiney Toussaint discussed the broad competition that is the FA Cup. The prestigious tournament brings clubs together that would not normally cross paths due to being leagues apart.

“We are really excited, there’s no pressure on us. At the end of the day, we’re going to go out there and just put in the best performance we can and see what happens,” Toussaint said.

“The FA Cup, it’s always exciting to watch isn’t it? I love the fact anyone from any league can play each other. I’ve always been someone that supports the underdog. Now I’m playing in it, and we’re the underdog team. I’ve got lots of family and friends coming, they’re all really excited.”

Wolves’ FA Cup fight ‘not over yet’

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Dan McNamara, the first permanent manager of Wolves Women, was in a buoyant and excited mood as he answered questions. His military experience as an RAF Technician has helped him cope with the pressure of the impending FA Cup match with Wolves.

“I’ve got a lot to thank the military for. All the values that you see in the girls week in, week out, the way they come through adversity, is all down to what the RAF instilled in me. There’s no point in me bouncing off the ceiling all week in training and then asking them to remain calm within the tough moments. So, me and the staff have to remain on a level, and hopefully that will transfer across to the girls.”

McNamara, called Mac by his players, hopes the decision made between club staff and the players to hold the match at Telford will go in their favour.

“I’ve got to thank the club. They listened to mine and the players’ thoughts, the girls wanted to play at their home ground. It brings people to the ground. You look and there’s 5,000 people waiting to watch Wolves Women on Saturday afternoon, it’s incredible. So hopefully we can keep the magic alive and a little bit of the magic will sprinkle over the SEAH stadium at half five.”

In a goosebumps-inducing moment, Mac was asked what three words he would use to outline the Wolves’ FA Cup journey. He confidently replied: “Not. Over. Yet.”

Live match coverage will be provided on the Women’s FA Cup YouTube channel. Kick-off between Wolves and Man United is scheduled for 5.15pm GMT.

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Coming up next

No matter what happens on Saturday, both teams are vying for titles in their respective leagues. So when the magic of the FA Cup is over for one, the league mission continues.

Wolves will continue their bid for title success in FA Women’s National League North. They next face tenth-place Sporting Khalsa on February 12th. A big match then follows — a top-of-the-table clash against Nottingham Forest on February 16th.

Man United will then return to continue their rise up the Women’s Super League against bottom side Crystal Palace.

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