McCarthy: We can challenge United

Mick McCarthy is adamant his bottom-of-the-table Wolves side is a force to be reckoned with at home – even against Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s league-leading men travel to Molineux on Saturday and McCarthy believes his side poses a threat.

He said: “We’ve proved at home we can beat anyone and we keep everybody honest. Nobody turns up here and gets an easy ride and Manchester United will know that.”

“Sir Alex Ferguson always says this part of the season is the business end and Manchester United kick into gear. Well they did on Tuesday night (in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa) when they got off to a devastating start. ”

“Ryan Giggs, Nani, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov are terrific. They’re worryingly good but they won’t worry me tomorrow.”

Defender Ronald Zubar’s error gifted a last-minute win to Bolton on Wednesday but McCarthy is sticking by his player.

He said: “I wanted to kill him on Wednesday night but he’s one of our players. He runs around and puts his shift in. Do you think he’s the only one who’s made a mistake? I don’t think so.”

“There’s only one bloke who never made a mistake and you know what happened to him. We’re all liable to make a mistake; you don’t cast him aside, you support him.”

“I believe I will get the best out of him. He’s been terrific for us and I wouldn’t leave him out on the back of a mistake.”

Adlene Guedioura (broken leg), Stephen Hunt (calf), Michael Kightly and Michael Mancienne (both knee) are all missing for Wolves.