Mick McCarthy's choice a few days ago of resting his key players and playing his reserve Wolverhampton team against Manchester United, thus virtually losing the match before it even started, has become a hot topic.
I will try to bring out both sides of the story. Here's Mick's side :
1. Wolves had to play Burnley at the weekend following their midweek trip to Old Trafford. Mick saw it more important to play his rested and energized best players against fellow relegation strugglers Burnley rather than the champions Man United. His decision was thoroughly justified as Wolverhampton beat Burnley the following week 2-0.
2. This has happened before, Ferguson resting his key players in the final day to keep them fresh for Champions League final last season and a season before that, Liverpool did the same and lost to Fulham , with Fulham virtually saved from relegation by their win against Liverpool.
Here's the other side of the story :
1. By playing a reserve team and gifting 3 points to Utd, Mick has invited the wrath of fellow title contenders Arsenal, chelsea who had to struggle for points against their lower opponents.
2. Wolves have affected the credibility of the Premier League by deliberately bringing their quality down.
3. Fans were furious , chanting "We want our £42 back !" . What abt the fans who had made a trip to Old Trafford just to see their team give a tough fight to Utd ,though knowing they were least favourites to do so ?
4. What about the players who had the dream of playing against the champions Manchester United, on the big stage, at Old Trafford ?
5. Utd were in poor form, losing previous game to Villa and had a very weak defense. Was it not an opportunity to have a go at them ? Imagine what difference a draw / win against the champions would have made to the confidence and belief of the team ?!
It is not about winning or losing Mick, it is about keeping the honor of Premier League and you have failed your players, fans, and the league. Your team doesnt deserve to be playing here.
