Wolves v Manchester United, 16th September 1972

Highlights of a First Division match between Wolves and Manchester United on 16th September 1972.

The 1972-73 season showcased the abilities of the Wolves team with a 5th placed finish in the league and semi-final appearances in both the FA and League Cups. The season was also a personal success for Wolves striker John Richards. His 36 League and Cup goals were suitably rewarded with the Young Player of the Year award for 1973 and also a cap for England at the end of the season. Richards had formed a highly successful partnership with Derek Dougan and 'The Doog' contributed 17 league and cup goals for the season.

The Wolves strikers were supported by a highly capable midfield, led by inspirational captain Mike Bailey, with the very efficient Jim McCalliog as Bailey's partner in the centre of midfield and the creative talents of left winger Dave Wagstaffe and Kenny Hibbitt on opposite flanks. Wolves were fortunate to have good cover in reserve in Barry Powell, the versatile Alan Sunderland and the enigmatic Danny Hegan, but Bill McGarry's team were at full strength for the match against United.

Frank O'Farrell's Manchester United team had begun the 1972-73 season disastrously and, prior to the match with Wolves, were bottom of the First Division with no wins in the opening eight matches of the season. Against Wolves, United included six of the team that had beaten Benfica in the 1968 European Cup with goalkeeper Alex Stepney, Tony Dunne, David Sadler, Bobby Charlton, George Best and Brian Kidd all in O'Farrell's team at Molineux. However, despite such pedigree United's poor run continued and, with the team still occupying a relegation position in the league, O'Farrell was sacked following a 5-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on 19th December 1972. His replacement was Tommy Docherty and he subsequently guided United to survival with a finish of 18th in the league.

Originally broadcast by ATV Star Soccer with commentary provided by Hugh Johns.

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