A superb goal from Danny Welbeck took United through to the fourth round of the Carling Cup, but the reigning holders were made to work for their progress after surviving the first-half dismissal of Fabio.
The Brazilian full-back was red-carded just before the half-hour mark for hauling down Michael Kightly as the last man, but Welbeck popped up midway through the second half with a wonderfully crisp finish, bagging his first goal of the season at a perfect time.The England youth international provided the outstanding moment of quality in a largely bitty affair. Clear-cut chances were at a premium, with Wolves' ambition barely galvanised by their numerical advantage.
Predictably, Sir Alex Ferguson made wholesale changes from the side which edged Sunday's epic Manchester derby. Only Michael Owen and Michael Carrick, both late substitutes against the Blues, started against Mick McCarthy's side. An influx of youth and fringe players prevailed, with senior squad debutants Joshua King and Magnus Eikrem named on the bench.
United bossed possession from the first whistle, but were frequently denied by stout defending from the visitors. On the rare occasions an opening presented itself, goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann was quick to spot the danger, clutching one particularly dangerous cross from Nani when Owen was lurking.
It was the visitors who came closest to an opening goal, however, when Sylvan Ebanks-Blake fashioned space, swivelled and curled a 20 yard shot just over Kuszczak's goal. The former United striker was asking plenty of questions of Wes Brown and Jonny Evans, but the Reds' central defensive partnership largely kept the 23-year-old on a short leash.
Wolves' most promising first half foray ended in disaster for United. Brown and Stefan Maierhofer leapt for the same ball, allowing it to bounce favourably for Kightly to burst onto. The winger was matched stride for stride by Fabio as he bore down on goal, but the Brazilian twice lost his footing, and ultimately halted Kightly's progress with a blatant trip.
Referee Peter Walton had little option; a red card curtailed the evenings of Fabio and Kiko Macheda, who was sacrificed for the introduction of Ritchie De Laet. As another ex-Red, David Jones, curled the subsequent free-kick towards the top corner at the Stretford End, only a superb save from Kuszczak prevented a double dose of misfortune for the hosts.
United's clearest opening soon followed, as Owen peeled off Christophe Berra brilliantly to reach Nevillei's cross, but the England striker could only direct his header straight at Hahnemann. Regardless of being a man light, United continued to push forward, and both Carrick and Welbeck saw shots bravely blocked. There were nerves jangling, however, when Jones reached a skewed clearance from Neville, but could only stab over the bar.
Regardless, Wolves emerged after the interval with more intent evident in their approach. Berra headed wastefully over, before Brown had to be alert to prevent Karl Henry from converting a close-range chance.
Those missed opportunities would prove costly for the visitors, as Welbeck broke the deadlock just after the hour. Gibson spotted the Longsight-born youngster in space, and Welbeck executed a clinical one-two with Owen before steering an unerring finish inside Hahnemann's far post.
Wolves' response was to go close twice through substitute Kevin Doyle, who drew one smart stop from
Referee Peter Walton had little option; a red card curtailed the evenings of Fabio and Kiko Macheda, who was sacrificed for the introduction of Ritchie De Laet. As another ex-Red, David Jones, curled the subsequent free-kick towards the top corner at the Stretford End, only a superb save from Kuszczak prevented a double dose of misfortune for the hosts.
United's clearest opening soon followed, as Owen peeled off Christophe Berra brilliantly to reach Nevillei's cross, but the England striker could only direct his header straight at Hahnemann. Regardless of being a man light, United continued to push forward, and both Carrick and Welbeck saw shots bravely blocked. There were nerves jangling, however, when Jones reached a skewed clearance from Neville, but could only stab over the bar.
Regardless, Wolves emerged after the interval with more intent evident in their approach. Berra headed wastefully over, before Brown had to be alert to prevent Karl Henry from converting a close-range chance.
Those missed opportunities would prove costly for the visitors, as Welbeck broke the deadlock just after the hour. Gibson spotted the Longsight-born youngster in space, and Welbeck executed a clinical one-two with Owen before steering an unerring finish inside Hahnemann's far post.
Wolves' response was to go close twice through substitute Kevin Doyle, who drew one smart stop from
Kuszczak, then watched on as his left-footed volley arced just past the post with the Pole well beaten. The visitors never came any closer to hauling themselves back into the game, however, as a superbly organised defence held firm. Instead, United went on the hunt for more goals.
Goalscorer Welbeck was sacrificed to hand 17-year-old King with his first taste of senior action, and the Norwegian twice came close to marking the occasion with a goal; thwarted once by a defensive block, then stinging Hahnemann's palms with a ferocious near-post drive.
A solitary goal would prove enough, however. Despite spending over an hour of the match with 10 men, the holders march on into the fourth round of the Carling Cup.
Goalscorer Welbeck was sacrificed to hand 17-year-old King with his first taste of senior action, and the Norwegian twice came close to marking the occasion with a goal; thwarted once by a defensive block, then stinging Hahnemann's palms with a ferocious near-post drive.
A solitary goal would prove enough, however. Despite spending over an hour of the match with 10 men, the holders march on into the fourth round of the Carling Cup.
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