Norwich City arrive at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon desperately in need of a win. That win will be elusive as Manchester United will aim to end a three-match winless streak in all competitions.
Manchester United head into the game having lost to Arsenal in the league, 2-0, and Manchester City, 3-1, in the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg. Those losses sandwiched an FA Cup third round draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Despite the poor results in recent weeks, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team go into Saturday’s match against the league’s last-place team as the bookies’ favourite.
Next up for #MUFC:We host Norwich City in the #PL. pic.twitter.com/iILAxrUN6z— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 8, 2020
Next up for #MUFC:We host Norwich City in the #PL. pic.twitter.com/iILAxrUN6z
Manchester United defeated Norwich City 3-1 earlier this season at Carrow Road. The scoreline flattered Norwich City as Onel Hernandez’s 88th minute goal was scored with the game done and dusted.
The Red Devils could have increased their lead throughout the match, but Tim Krul saved two penalties. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial both missed from the spot.
Solskjaer is without several players including midfielders Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba. The former has been a key player this season while the latter doesn’t want to be on the pitch for Manchester United.
Centre-back Harry Maguire has been ruled out with a groin injury and will miss his second straight game. Luke Shaw could return in time to take part in the match, however.
Norwich City may be without striker Teemu Pukki. The Finnish striker would be a massive blow if he misses the game. Pukki has nine goals and three assists in 21 appearances but sat out training on Thursday to nurse his injured leg.
Daniel Farke is also missing Ben Godfrey, Timm Klose, and Josip Drmic for the trip to Old Trafford. On paper, Norwich City do not have the same talent to win against Manchester United away. If Pukki is absent, they will have fewer opportunities to get through the Red Devils defence.
Rashford will be the key to Manchester United’s attack. The Englishman is having his best professional season with 12 goals in 21 Premier League games. Rashford has scored two goals in his last three games and tallied a goal against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg on Tuesday night.
With Pukki potentially sitting out the match or not 100% if he plays, Manchester United should win easily at Old Trafford. The Red Devils will pick up a win to nil while scoring over 2.5 goals. Rashford could have a big day against a defence that has conceded a league high 41 times.