No one said it would be easy - as the whole world has been saying, battered by Blackburn and crucified by Charlton, next stop Manure's Theatre of Dreams.

The omens were not good, Woeful Wolves having received two thrashings in their first two games, whilst the champions seemingly gliding to another trophy. The odds were stacked well against Wolves and the bookies thought the same, as the talk was of a double figure drubbing with Ruuuuddddd van setting all sorts of records, both with consecutive games scored in and number in one game.

To cap it all off this day saw Mars being closest to earth for 60,000 years (about the length of time we had been out of the premiership!), giving a red glow over the world - all was not well with old gold and black.

Alex Ferguson made a number of changes, presumably to give a run out to the newer players in such an easy game, whilst DJ also made a few changes both in formation and players. Rae in to help shore up the midfield and an attacking midfield start to Camara - more of him later.

The game started as if Manure's new boys had something to prove with two chances in the first 6 minutes and you thought then it was going to be a long night. The easiest chance missed by Ruuud van when Forlan was put through with the Wolves defence static. Wolves looked nervous to start (who could blame them?) and after only nine minutes the "avalanche of goals" started. As with Blackburn the marking at a corner was inadequate and an unmarked O'Shea danced in to head the ball home off of Oakes' arm. Man Utd 1 Wolves 0 and the bookies odds looked safe.

However, as if to stick two fingers up to the pundits (particularly the un-informed sky ones), Wolves clawed themselves back into what turned out to be a very entertaining game. The goal must have shocked Wolves defence into action and from then on in manure did not have chance to speak of, particularly the inform Ruuudd van who was carefully marshalled by Butler and Craddock. With Roy Keane changed to the defence, there seemed little bite in their midfield and gradually Cameron, Rae and particularly Ince took control of the midfield. Wolves were restricted to breakaway opportunities - and what opportunities. On 36 minutes one of the many hold-ups and flick ons by the impressive Blake saw his through ball glide past Keane for Camara to run on and with a one-on-one with the keeper, his shot brushed the outside of the post when it seemed easier to score.

On first half injury time, Blake again set Camara through, but under pressure from double Djemba he shot with his right instead of his left foot and the ball went inches wide from 8 yards out.

Half time - Man Utd 1 Wolves 0

No substitutions at half time and Wolves took control over a nervous and awkward looking Manure side. Wolves were trying very hard to get back in the game whilst restricting the opposition to only the odd chance. Long range chances from Rae and Cameron were easily contained or off target. Then on 52 minutes a scramble in the box saw a spectacular overhead kick effort from Camara bounce off the top of the bar.

A little later more penetration from Wolves saw the ball fall to Camera's feet 4 yards out and with his back to the ball, instead of swivelling and shooting(easy for me to say!) he tried a back heel which trickled into Howard's arms. In an attempt to stead the tide of Wolves attacks, Ferguson subbed "Wonder boy" Ronaldo and the ineffective Kleberson for Giggs and the injured Scholes. Manure looked more effective now but still could not find a way through. Ruuudd van got through later on but his shot was way over the bar - more frustration than skill. This was much to the delight of the large travelling Wolves fans who had expertly out-sung the home crowd all night.

Wolves tried to get back into the game - and bias apart thoroughly deserved an equalizer, but it was not to be. The final whistle went much to the relief of the home side and crowd.

This was an impressive performance from the whole of the Wolves team - an excellent team effort. If we can continue to play half as good a this then I have no doubt about our safety at the end of the season. However, we can not carry on creating so many chances and not putting them away, camara certainly deserves to start against Pompey but needs to get his shooting boots on and maybe practice with his left foot! The only poor performance seemed to be from Silas who I thought suffered from stage fright, hopefully he will get over this very soon.

Keep it up Wolves and in the words of saint Jack after the match - "carry on like this and a sixth place awaits" and hence Europe - now there's optimism for you.

Full time - Man Utd 1 Wolves 0