Man Utd must not let form slip against Norwich… Solskjaer can’t afford more false dawns

A WEEK ago the spotlight was on the shirts — this afternoon it will be all about what lies beneath them.

A week ago it was a free hit in a game no one gave them a serious chance of winning.

This afternoon it is a high-pressure fixture no one believes they can really afford to lose.

And, while Norwich is a distant third to Liverpool and an intimidating European clash at Partizan Belgrade, it is one that could prove the most revealing to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Last Sunday his Manchester United side were the biggest price they have ever been for a home game, when the 100 per cent league leaders came to Old Trafford.

United responded with their most impressive 45 minutes since the opening day and ran the game before a late lapse saw Liverpool snatch a point.

They followed that by going to Belgrade with a much-changed young line-up and escaping with a 1-0 win.

All of which makes the focus even brighter than before on how those recalled to the team perform at Carrow Road.

Solskjaer knows that as impressive as the display was against Liverpool, raising the tempo and the standards for a clash with your fiercest rivals will never be a problem.

Similarly, as daunting as it was in Belgrade, there was also something of a safety blanket as the line-up was so young and inexperienced.

Yet the likes of Brandon Williams and James Garner performed so well, United won their first away game in 232 days.

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Not since last term’s incredible victory at Paris Saint-Germain had United been victorious on the road.

Now the pressure is on for the front liners to repeat it at Norwich.

This is not a Canaries side still living the dream at being back in the top-flight and winning hearts — and points — as they did with that stunning triumph against Manchester City.

In the four games since then they have picked up just one point, scored only one goal and sunk to second from bottom of the table.

Not that United have been any better. After Dan James’ early goal at Southampton on August 31, it took another 483 minutes before they found the net again on their travels.

But now, for the first time this season, the signs are they could have a little momentum at last.
Not that boss Solskjaer expects anything but a real battle today.

He insisted: “It’s always going to be difficult at Carrow Road. I watched Norwich’s first game at Liverpool and saw a team with lots of courage.

“They were brave, they played their own way and kept going. They have beaten Newcastle and Manchester City, so they’re a team with a clear philosophy.

“Hopefully we’ll have a fresh team because we’ll need to be at our best to have a chance.”

Regardless of how well United were playing, this fixture was always going to be one of the cup finals for Norwich.

They know victory today, with games against Brighton and Watford to follow, could transform their fortunes.

For Solskjaer, the last two results must not be wasted. However well they played against Liverpool, they cannot afford any more false dawns.