Whatever way you look at it, this was a bad defeat but a victory Norwich fully deserved. In terms of the premiership, this was United's third defeat already this season and considering they only lost 5 last season, it doesn't leave much space to lose anymore games.
Whether the international break has disrupted things or the loss of Rooney United never looked at the races and can only blame themselves. The defence looked fairly solid unlike previous weeks and Chris Smalling made some crucial tackles and interceptions. The main problem was midfield. The wingers Young and Valencia had very quiet games and didn't impose themselves as we know they can. The central midfield which saw Giggs and Carrick in tandem again found themselves chasing rather than getting a foothold in the game. Giggs made one perfect pass for Van Persie but was largely ineffective.
Upfront saw RVP with Hernandez and with both men bang in form, again were subdued and leading to Hernandez being withdrawn for Welbeck. Anderson and Scholes added a bit more threat when they came on but ultimately we fell short.
Norwich were man for man a match for United and keeper Jon Ruddy made some excellent saves and to rub salt in the wounds it was an ex united trainee who scored the winning goal. Anthony Pilkington scored an excellent header and with 30 plus minutes still remaining United could not break down the resolute Norwich defence.
United lost the game and the position at the top to Manchester City and with the game in early December it will be a 'must not lose' game.
It's back to the drawing board for United and the central midfield is looking a department that may need looking at. Sir Alex has some things to consider whether to stick with the old guard or put more faith in the younger brigade of Anderson, Cleverley and Jones with Fletcher close behind. Early last season Anderson and Cleverley were superb in the Tottenham and Arsenal games until injury scuppered Cleverley.
In terms of United man of the match, Chris Smalling got the nod for his defensive duties and keeping big Grant Holt Quiet.
It's not a time to panic as these freak results do happen to the best teams as United will always react positively. They have a few games against the lower end of the table teams before the Manchester derby. United will never die.
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