Boss Mick McCarthy admitted it was another a case of "déjà vu" at Molineux after defeat to Manchester United this evening - but believes Wolves luck will change if they keep up the level of their performances.

 

Marcus Hahnemann had little more than routine saves to make during the game with the reigning Barclays Premier League champions, but one moment of clinical finishing from Paul Scholes 17 minutes from time was enough to take United back to the top of the league.

 

Wolves had good chances of their own, notably through Stephen Ward in the first half and then Sam Vokes in injury time, and once again came off feeling aggrieved despite having lost to one of the top sides.

 

"It's very difficult to come in again after we've played well and lost - déjà vu," he admitted.

 

"The only way our luck will change is by carrying on playing that way and I do believe it will because we are playing well.

"Are we expected to beat Chelsea and Manchester United? Probably not.

 

"But they were good performances.

 

"Our luck won't change if we don't play well that's for sure.

 

"We just need to maintain the belief because there are plenty of games to go.

 

"We may drop into that bottom three but there are games coming along that we can win.

 

"We just have to believe that if we keep playing that way we will win them."

 

If the second half was a tale of two chances then Scholes was coolness personified with his, delaying just long enough to take advantage of a Jody Craddock slip before firing past Marcus Hahnemann.

 

"I was thrilled with the performance at half time but knew we'd have to play equally well in the second half," added Mick.

 

"We didn't make them pay when we got their chances and made a mistake and they punished us.

 

"But Jody has been absolutely brilliant, he has had a fabulous season.

"I'm not sure if he just slipped, he didn't get a good purchase on the ball and it passed to the one man, Scholes, who is the last person you want because you know he is going to put it in the net.

"We were punished and that's a bit hard to take."

 

The boss praised Edwin Van Der Sar for his positioning when saving Ward's first half header.

 

Vokes then had a great opportunity to earn a point in injury time, but with the ball off the floor slammed his shot over the crossbar.

 

 

The striker cut a hugely disappointed figure as he left Molineux, but his manager knows he will recover.

 

"There's only one man more disappointed than me and the players and everyone else and that's Sam Vokes," he added.

 

"But he might be the one that scores the goal that keeps us up.

 

"We have scored 21 goals. It is not enough. It has been the tale of our season.

 

"But my luck will change and Sam's luck will change.

 

"He'll get back and keep practising and will score the next one.

 

"We will remain positive.

 

"The only way it will change is by playing as well as we are and we will get a break and Sam might be the one to get the goal that keeps us all happy."

 

And the boss is confident Wolves can move on from the disappointment as they prepare for the final ten games of the season.

 

"Let's not dwell on this," he added.

 

"Let's look at the games we've got in front of us and hope he learns from it and next time it comes along Sam slots it in the net - and he will.

 

"We go into the next games with confidence because we're playing well.

"I know I'll get asked whether we can keep playing like that and I think we can.

 

"And we have to, because if we don't we'll be in trouble.

 

"It's not stopped the lads in the past, they've got great spirit and determination and I think we'll be fine."