APPRENTICE MEETS MASTER: Newcomers United take on double champs, Wolfsburg
Manchester United will be riding high after their first Old Trafford UWCL night against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last week. But the pedigree of VfL Wolfsburg is a step up for the European newcomers.
United are about to face their biggest European test so far as they take on the German giants. Clare McEwen previews the mouth-watering tie.
It will be the first time the two teams meet and the first time United have faced German opponents. This one is undoubtedly United’s biggest challenge so far and a proper experience mismatch as the newcomers face the two-times winners.
Back-to-back winners in 2013 (v Lyon) and 2014 (v Tyresö), Wolfsburg have also been losing finalists on four occasions. Most recently they lost out to Barcelona, when in 2023 they squandered a two-goal lead. Last season, Wolfsburg reached the quarter-final stage, the 12th time in 13 seasons. It’s fair to say, United are about to experience the highest level of European football. And they have to experience it in Germany where Wolfsburg have never lost to English opponents (won 5, drawn 2).
Injuries
As if the circumstances weren’t tough enough, Manchester United are without their number one goalkeeper, Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who’s out for a few weeks with a fractured eye socket. Simi Awujo had a nasty collision in the Manchester derby at the weekend that left her with a massive egg on her forehead, but there have been no concussion symptoms so far and she’s in the travelling squad.
Celin Bizet and Millie Turner are still out though. PTJ is a big miss, but Safia Middleton-Patel had a solid performance against PSG – although Wolfsburg will be a wholly different prospect.
Wolfsburg have better news as Sophia Kleinherne and Vivien Endemann have both been passed fit and are available for the squad. Smilla Vallotto, however, missed Wolfsburg’s cup win at the weekend with illness and is still a doubt for the tie.
Reds
Manchester United may be lacking in long-term UWCL pedigree but they’ve already played seven European matches this season. Having won three out of four of their qualifying phase games, they’ve got a 100% record in the league stage so far. The only other two teams to still be three from three are European giants Barcelona and Lyon.
During those seven games, United have conceded only two goals. Former Wolfsburg player Fridolina Rolfö (above, left) has put her European experience to good use so far this season, scoring in United’s last two ties. Could she make it three in a row against her former club?
Greens
Wolfsburg have won two out of three of their ties so far this campaign, only losing to seasoned-winners Lyon. They glided past PSG in Matchday 1 before securing all three points against Vålerenga in Matchday 2. Their 4-0 win over PSG in the opening game shows their attacking talent, and they’ve scored four or more goals in seven of their previous 11 group stage/league phase home matches.
Lineth Beerensteyn (above, right) has scored in all three of their opening games and is in terrifying form in front of goal. And of course, there’s Alex Popp (top of page). They’ll be keen to get back to winning ways after losing to Lyon, by putting the United upstarts in their place.
Prediction
Expect this to be an action-packed affair as Wolfsburg’s attack force meet United’s (generally) mean defence. Although the greens know how to go when it comes to the UWCL, the reds won’t be ready to stop their unbeaten run.
And even though there’s a massive experience mismatch, United have shown they’re up to the challenge of European football. I’m going 1-1.
Photos: UEFA/ Getty
