Sylvan Ebanks-Blake makes his first playing return to Old Trafford tonight since he left United, insisting Wolves can upset the hosts.

While many see the Carling Cup third-round tie as a meaningless game or fitness exercise, history, pride and Ebanks-Blake’s will to win mean he sees plenty at stake in the match.

For Ebanks-Blake, it’s the chance to show United how he’s developed his game in the 38 months since he left, as well as increase his sharpness in his bid for a first team recall at Sunderland this Sunday.

But the hot-shot says he doesn’t intend to come off worse in the tie.

“There’s a game to lose and we don’t want to lose it,” said the 23-year-old, who will be making his full Wolves Carling Cup debut tonight after a goal in two ties for United in the competition.

“We’re going there to try to win the game. It’s a great tie to have but there is plenty to lose.”

Ebanks-Blake is also looking to build on Sunday’s 12-minute cameo in the 2-1 win against Fulham.

“I was delighted to be involved again and back from injury and making another appearance in the Premier League,” he said.

“I feel fine but I need games and minutes on the pitch but that will all come with time.”

Having spent four years at Old Trafford, which included winning the FA Youth Cup with a certain David Jones as captain, it’s little surprise Ebanks-Blake describes the venue known as the Theatre of Dreams as a ‘special’ place.

“I’ve got really fond memories of the place so I’m delighted both personally and as a team that we’re going to Old Trafford,” he said.

“It’s a great tie for everyone and a special one for me having started my career there.

“All the boys are looking forward to it and will want to play in it.

“United will be buzzing after their derby win, but whoever plays for them will be totally focused on the game – just as we will.

“I made a couple of appearances for United in the Carling Cup and got a goal as well which was nice.

“Many youngsters have had their opportunity in the Carling Cup for United as I did when I was there.

“It’s a competition the young lads will look forward to.”

Ebanks-Blake is also relishing the chance to lock horns again with midfielder Darron Gibson, who he played with at United and Wolves.

“Most of the players I knew have moved on although Darron Gibson is still at the club. I speak to him now and again” he said.

“I do still catch up with a few of the boys I used to play alongside and I’m sure a lot of the staff are still there.

“It will be a nice occasion and a good game.”

Kevin Foley, who is another of Wolves’ casualties returning to full fitness with Ebanks-Blake and Michael Kightly, insists Wolves’ former United duo can hold their heads high at Old Trafford.

“It’s probably the hardest place in the world to prove yourself and just because they didn’t make it into the first team regularly there doesn’t mean they’re bad players,” he said.

“It just means they can both go back there and show them what could have been because they’re both fantastic players.

“You can tell that both of them have had a good upbringing and that was all credit to Manchester United.

“Thankfully they play for Wolves now and I’m sure they’ll be really up for it.

“Both of them played 80-90 per cent of our games last season in a Championship-winning team and to do that is no mean feat and I’m sure they’re looking forward to it.”

Wolves’ Player of the Year believes the players shouldn’t be fazed stepping out in front of 60,000 because they have earned the right to rub shoulders with the elite.

“We’ve earned the right to play against these big players week-in, week-out and it’s something we shouldn’t be fazed by now. Playing teams like United was going to happen anyway for Wolves this season but to be playing them in the cup is an added bonus and a nice taster.

“Even though it’s a cup game, it’s still going to be very special and we’ll be going there to get a result – not to just to grind anything out.

“I’m sure the gaffer will be telling us to put on a good performance and show people how we got to be a Premier League club.

“A few other lads will get a chance to play so it’s going to be a good opportunity for them.

“United have a great array of talent, but it’s more about what we do. We showed on Sunday how good we can be because we were much the better team against Fulham.

“The boys looked really fit and we didn’t give Fulham that much time anywhere on the pitch.”