LONDON — Mick McCarthy was destined to be remembered mainly for his bust-up with Roy Keane on the eve of the 2002 World Cup finals when he sent the Republic of Ireland captain home from Saipan.
At around 7 p.m. on Tuesday the Wolves manager ensured a second tattoo for life when the team to play Manchester United at Old Trafford was announced. McCarthy made 10 outfield changes to the side that beat Tottenham 1-0 the previous Saturday — Wolves' second successive Premier League win and the first time the club had done that in 26 years.
But McCarthy responded by keeping faith only with goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann at Old Trafford, explaining afterward that the physical exertions of the players at White Hart Lane ensured they needed a rest. Wolves' second string lost 3-0 and, unsurprisingly, all hell has been let loose.