McCarthy must explain team

Premier League wants answers over much-changed side

Last updated: 16th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

McCarthy must explain team

McCarthy: Premier League want answers

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Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has been asked to explain why he made 10 changes to his side for the trip to Manchester United

McCarthy left out every outfield player on duty for the shock success over Tottenham on Saturday for the Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on Tuesday night and then watched his team lose 3-0.

Wolves fans vented their frustration during the game, although McCarthy defended his stance, claiming he was looking to avoid injuries after two fixtures in quick succession.

However, the Premier League has now got involved and wants to know McCarthy's version of events.

A statement issued by the Premier League read: "The Premier League Board have written to Wolverhampton Wanderers to request their observations in relation to the team fielded in their League fixture against Manchester United.

"Once the observations are received the Board will decide whether any further action is warranted."

Although the Premier League's powers are wide-ranging, and include a points deduction in the worst-case scenario, it seems highly unlikely Wolves will receive anything worse than a rap over the knuckles.

Judged

Other than midfielder George Friend, who nearly gave Wolves a shock lead, all McCarthy's starting XI had featured for the first-team this season, with six full internationals also involved.

And the team was arguably not as weak as the one Sir Alex Ferguson selected at Hull City on the final day of last season, 10 days before the UEFA Champions League final.

The Premier League did not intervene on that occasion and would have looked slightly foolish if they had done so after United won at the KC Stadium.

Disgruntled Wolves fans chanted "We want our money back", "Where is our first team?" and "£42 to watch the reserves" as they expressed their frustration.

"I understand the reaction of the fans and I knew these questions would be asked," McCarthy admitted after the game.

"But my decisions will be judged on whether we are still in the Premier League."

Even if they do not penalise Wolves with a fine, the Premier League will want to be seen to have highlighted the situation in an effort to ensure the integrity of their competition is not brought into question later in the season.