Wolves have submitted their response to the Premier League’s request for an explanation for Mick McCarthy’s 10 changes at Manchester United and are confident of escaping punishment.

The club are anxious not to turn the heat on themselves at a time when the Premier League are keen to be seen to acting on the issue that has stirred a nation.

But Wolves feel they have to mount a vigorous defence for a decision that has several precedents.

Chief executive Jez Moxey said: “In the letter, we contest any accusation that we didn’t field a full-strength team at Old Trafford. We have also questioned why we’re being asked for an explanation given there are examples of other teams doing exactly the same.

“We’re confident of our position on this and have cited the example of three or four other teams doing the same. If we’d fielded five youngsters then I could understand the risk of us being in bother.

“But I think with the exception of George Friend, it was the same 20-man squad that travelled to Tottenham.”

As evidence, Wolves have quoted Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore defending Manchester United’s decision to field a weakened team against Hull last May before their Champions League final, as well as Liverpool’s nine changes against Fulham before their Champions League final.

The club have also written to all fans who complained to them.

McCarthy said: “I played a first team and I had lads who couldn’t play, so there’s my explanation. I maximised my resources at Wolves Football Club.

“I was sad we lost at Old Trafford, but we won on Sunday and have got nine out of 12 points.”