[Ryan57]

Originally Posted by Legend killer

start ahead of Danny(love this guy but could not finish his dinner

Brilliant. Love the stuff you come out with, LK.

[bbfan1991]

Get in 4-0 win vs Norwich and fifteen points clear till Manchester City play at Villa on Monday, which I think they will win that game tbh.

United were the better team throughout and Norwich defended well in the first half and parked the bus, but Shinji Kagawa with three very good finishes and one from Wayne Rooney too earned us the win.

Shinji Kagawa and Michael Carrick were the stand out players for me, but a great team performance and now the focus can be on for the big Real Madrid game next week.

[bbfan1991]

Shinji Kagawa had a brilliant game and he is the first player from Asia to score a hat trick in the Premier League.

Our defensive work has improved which is a big sign and David De Gea is doing great.

Antonio Valencia was on form too today and I think this was one of his best performances this season because he shown glimpses of the player he was last season and I hope it will be a confidence boost for him!

[bbfan1991]

[Brother Leon]

The 2nd finish was orgasmic too.

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by Brother Leon

The 2nd finish was orgasmic too.

All of them were and I liked Rooney's too. The United fans who think we should sell Rooney and believe them nonsense PSG stories are clueless IMO.

[Legend killer]

Decent performance today and very happy for Shinji (top lad on twitter)

However why did Nani get zero playing time if he is not playing vs Real lets call a spade a spade and admit fergie hates him

Also today proved once more how much of a waste playing Wayne on the wing is and with us being at home i don't think Fergie will play him there again

Team i think Fergie will play

De Gea
Raf Evans Rio Evra
Welbeck Carrick Jones Giggs
Rooney
RVP
Playing or not playing Nani could be what wins or loses us the game and honestly if Danny or Tony start ahead of him i would not blame him for leaving in the summer

[Brother Leon]

Yeah, our outfield MOM from the first leg starting ahead of Nani would be a shocking decision..

[Legend killer]

Wtf yes us playing a striker ahead of our best winger who is in form at home would be shocking

lol i God that was a cringe comment why don't we take RVP out for Shinji who was MOM today and stick him behind Wayne


Facepalm

[Brother Leon]

Yeah, because a MOTM performance against the same team away from home means nothing...

Lol @ you kiddo

[Legend killer]

Regardless the team above i would be fairly happy with but lets not act like Danny playing ahead of Nani on the WING is any which way justified

Anyway good win today lets enjoy

[Legend killer]

Again what's your point RVP missed two sitters and Rooney was useless should they be replaced????

[Legend killer]

Felt terrible for Chico today getting Zero playing time must have been a blow to the lad. Not blaming Fergie for not starting him but zero playing time seemed a bit harsh considering he will be lucky to get any time in the next week

[Brother Leon]

He will probably start against Chelsea I imagine.

[Ryan57]

Great win. Kagawa's best performance in a United shirt by far. Also, Valencia looked better today. Even used his LEFT FOOT!!! to deliver a cross in the build up to the first goal.

Shame Real are in good form now. Will be a good match on Tuesday I expect.

[bbfan1991]

Match Report:

United 4 Norwich 0

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-An...ue-report.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Some other stories from before/after the game coming up...

[bbfan1991]

Smalling wary of Canaries

Memories of this season’s 1-0 defeat at Norwich City are still fresh in the mind for Chris Smalling, who is wary of lightning striking twice as Manchester United host the Canaries at Old Trafford on Saturday.



The Reds defender played a full match at Carrow Road in November but could not prevent a narrow defeat caused by Anthony Pilkington’s 60th-minute header, a goal which knocked United off the top of the table at the time and inflicted a third Barclays Premier League defeat of the campaign.

Impressively, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have not lost in the top flight since and are currently twelve points ahead of title rivals Manchester City. Despite such admirable form, Smalling is taking nothing for granted, although he hopes to make the most of home advantage.

“I remember the Norwich away game really well,” Chris told United Review. “We had a lot of chances but couldn’t take them and they took one of their very few chances and punished us for it.

“They showed that they’re a very hard-working side and can play a lot of football as well, so we’ll definitely have to be wary. I think losing at their place was a bit of a wake-up call for us, so we’ll be firing when they come to Old Trafford.

“We fancy our chances against anybody at home, in the cup competitions or the league. It might be tight in the first half but if we keep moving the ball, most teams tire in the second half as the Old Trafford pitch is so big. We’re used to it, so more often than not we get the result we want.”

With the big Champions League game against Real Madrid just days away, Sir Alex is expected to rest a number of players against Norwich. However, any talk of complacency is wide of the mark for Smalling, who is focused and raring to go.

“Everybody’s a bit more cautious after last season, when there were only a handful of games left but we threw away eight points. We're determined to maintain the gap this time. I don’t think the manager would be too happy if we didn’t! And we’d be kicking ourselves.”

[bbfan1991]

Beware the Real break

Sir Alex Ferguson says his players have been working hard to ensure Real Madrid’s counter-attacking “doesn’t kill us” on Tuesday night at Old Trafford.



The Reds host Jose Mourinho’s men in the Champions League last 16 second-leg encounter with the tie finely poised at 1-1.

United hold the slightest of advantages following Danny Welbeck’s away goal at the Bernabeu last month, but after travelling to Spain to see Real destroy Barcelona at the Nou Camp earlier this week, Sir Alex is determined to ensure his squad are fully prepared for everything Ronaldo and co throw at the Reds.

“I was shocked [by Madrid’s performance against Barcelona],” the United manager told reporters on Friday. “I thought they were magnificent I really did. They were absolutely brilliant and won well with Ronaldo, Di Maria and Ozil on the counter-attack.

“But we know that Madrid are one of the best counter-attacking teams in Europe. That is what we will be up against on Tuesday and that is why our preparations are centred around making sure their counter-attack doesn’t kill us.”

e Reds put in a highly impressive and disciplined shift in the first leg in Madrid, but the performance did not surprise Sir Alex who believes his current squad is stronger than the 1999 Treble-winning group.

“We are looking forward to all the big games knowing we have to be at our best as we were in 1999. The big difference is we have a stronger squad now than we did back then,” added Sir Alex.

“The squad is also stronger than last year, if you think about it. We have brought Robin and Kagawa in, plus the younger ones, like Welbeck and Cleverley, have got stronger and improved over the course of a season. Rafael is having an unbelievable season. De Gea is improving. I am able to make changes without them having any really bad impact now.”

[bbfan1991]

Boss: It was Kagawa's day

Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledged it has been a great day for Shinji Kagawa after the Japan international's hat-trick helped sink Norwich City 4-0 at Old Trafford.



Kagawa had only scored twice for the Reds since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund but bettered that tally in one memorable afternoon with three clinical finishes past Mark Bunn.

With Wayne Rooney also getting in on the act late on with a stupendous strike, it was a great afternoon's work that sends the Reds 15 points clear of second-placed Manchester City.

"Midway through the second half, I didn’t think it would end up 4-0 as I think we were a bit ragged for that period," he told MUTV. "But, when we brought Shinji into central midfield, it made a difference to us and he ended up with a hat-trick.

"It’s brilliant for him. The lad is a good finisher and his second goal was so composed and an intelligent finish while his third was absolutely brilliantly-taken. It’s been a great day for him."

The boss has already expressed an opinion that Kagawa will be even better next season after properly bedding in, which is an exciting prospect on Saturday's evidence.

"He got that injury around October-November and was out quite a while," continued Sir Alex. "It knocked him back a bit but he’s gradually coming back and I think you’ll see a really good player next year."

Rooney also earned praise for his efforts and focus can now switch towards the huge Champions League second leg against Real Madrid in midweek.

"It’ll do him good," stated the manager. "Confidence is part of it for Wayne. He’s missed two or three games recently but he worked hard and he scored a goal which is all we need.

"All in all, we showed good spirit, we were determined and worked really hard in the match. They didn’t think about what was going to happen on Tuesday so they all contributed in that respect."

I am pleased for Shinji, he has a bright future with United and I think once this season is done for him to settle in and adjust to United's style of play and also that of the Premier League then he will be even better next season!

[bbfan1991]

Robin OK for Real clash

Robin van Persie was taken off after an hour of Saturday’s 4-0 win over Norwich, but Sir Alex Ferguson insists there was nothing untoward about the Dutchman’s substitution ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Real Madrid.



Sir Alex also revealed that Ryan Giggs will make his 1,000th appearance against Jose Mourinho’s men after resting the Welshman for the Barclays Premier League encounter with the Canaries.

Asked whether van Persie was removed as a precaution, Sir Alex told MUTV: “We agreed Robin would get an hour,” before adding that Giggs "will be involved on Tuesday. We couldn’t miss that moment for the lad. He deserves it.”

It is an interesting tactic to reward Giggs’ longevity and excellent recent form in one of the biggest games of the season. His experience could be vital in a tie that remains very much undecided.

The balance United must strike is in defending against Real’s talents on the counter-attack and being positive enough to win the tie. A 0-0 draw would take United through but Sir Alex admits that outcome is highly unlikely given the attacking inclination and traditions of both clubs.

“If I thought we’d get a clean sheet on Tuesday, we’d go through,” he said. “But I think both teams will score. I hope we score more goals than them. It’s going to be fantastic – the two greatest sides in the world. The atmosphere is going to be electric – it cannot be anything else but a great game.”

Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday’s tie with a 2-1 win over rivals Barcelona. Karim Benzema struck first for Mourinho’s side before Lionel Messi levelled. Real were inspired by a second-half substitution, bringing on a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, but it was Sergio Ramos who got the headed winner. Real remain 13 points behind league leaders Barca.

[bbfan1991]

Vote: Man of the Match

Manchester United's routine 4-0 win over Norwich City - a result which restored the Reds' 15-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League - was achieved with a real team effort.



We've highlighted a number of individuals, however, who could be picked out as the Man of the Match, starting with the club captain, Nemanja Vidic.

Serbian skipper Vidic led from the back, dealing with the aerial threat of Grant Holt superbly throughout the game. His influence in defence was undoubtedly an important factor in stifling the visitors, particularly when they searched for an equaliser early in the second half.

Shinji Kagawa claimed three of the hosts’ four goals, in what was his finest display to date in a United shirt. The first strike came deep into the opening half, as a close-range volley gave his side the lead at the break. The Japan international regularly found space in attacking positions and profited again with 15 minutes to go, as he tapped in from Wayne Rooney’s cross. He linked with Rooney once more to seal his hat-trick late on with an exquisite dinked finish.

In the middle of the park, Michael Carrick was his usual calming influence for United, allowing the hosts to enjoy good spells of possession. He did the simple things well and rarely put a foot wrong, as Chris Hughton’s side were outplayed in midfield.

Wayne Rooney is the next on our list. After setting up two goals for Kagawa, he scored himself with a spectacular 20-yard strike in second-half stoppage time to add insult to injury for Norwich. He didn’t run himself into the ground as we have become accustomed to, as United kept one eye on Real Madrid, but was massively effective nonetheless.

The final candidate is Patrice Evra. His hard work at both ends ensured that he would be a constant thorn in Norwich’s side. The Frenchman had a relatively quiet first half, but shone as United broke forward more often in the second period.

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fanzone/Competition-And-Polls/Poll.aspx?id={BE73BE22-5207-458B-9CF8-F7B34B52CB3E}

[bbfan1991]

Ronaldo return is 'false hope'

Sir Alex Ferguson has shot down press speculation suggesting United are making progress in a bid to set up a sensational return for Cristiano Ronaldo.



Rumours have been rife that the Portugal international could decide against signing a new contract at Real Madrid but the boss has previously insisted it is extremely unlikely that his next move would be back to Old Trafford.

"I don’t think there’s anything as far as I’m aware to encourage me that he’d come back here," reiterated Sir Alex. "I don’t think there’s anything in that at all.

"I think he’s got two years left on his contract and it could be a lot to do with the fact that negotiations are ongoing for a new contract. But it’s false hope [for anybody expecting Ronaldo to return]."

Nonetheless, the Real star is still guaranteed a great ovation on Tuesday, at least prior to kick-off, before the serious business of qualifying in the Champions League takes priority.

"He’ll get a good reception," predicted the manager. "All our former players who come back, who have been great players, get a good reception. I’ve seen that all the time. I think, at the start of the game, he’ll get that."

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex: No place like Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United fans are capable of producing an atmosphere to rival the very best in world football.



The Reds host Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 second leg on Tuesday night, having returned from Spain last month with a very credible 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu. Now, the United boss is expecting the two sides to meet again at United’s home against a backdrop of colour and noise.

“It was a good result for us in Madrid,” Sir Alex said. “We scored the away goal and that means we flew back to Manchester feeling positive.

“What it does is ensure that Old Trafford will be absolutely fantastic for the return leg. There’s a guaranteed great atmosphere that night, and I always feel that on special occasions there’s no better place to be.”

Certainly, Old Trafford was rocking the last time Spanish opposition, Barcelona, arrived in Manchester for a Champions League knockout tie. That was in April 2008, a night many fans and players still recall fondly.

Rio Ferdinand remembers United were “under a lot of pressure” that night, but insists “the noise the crowd made was incredible and they really drove us on”. The same sort of support may be required again on Tuesday evening for a match many are calling the Reds' biggest fixture for several years.

Spot on,

[bbfan1991]

Rooney praises Reds approach

Wayne Rooney praised Manchester United's professionalism in seeing off Norwich City and prioritising three league points ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.



Shinji Kagawa's hat-trick helped the Reds towards an eventually-emphatic 4-0 win, and having also chipped in with a goal, Wayne stated that team selection was an important factor on Saturday.

“It was a massive game for us, we wanted to extend the lead at the top of the league," Rooney told MUTV.

"I’m sure you can see by the team the manager picked, he put a lot of experienced players out and made us aware that the Norwich match was more important than the game on Tuesday. So, it was a good professional job and a well-deserved win.”

United came up against a stubborn Norwich defence in the first half, but broke the deadlock moments before the break through Kagawa’s close-range volley. Rooney thinks the opener was vital, and was full of praise for his team-mate.

“I think that [goal before half time] virtually created all the space we got in the second half, because we knew sooner or later Norwich would be back to try to have a go at us and try to get a goal back. So, to get that goal at the end of the first half was vital for us.

“He [Kagawa] was fantastic, he keeps putting himself in positions where he can maybe get a shot at goal or play someone in. If you can see him and pick him out, he’s cool with his finishes as well. He works hard and he’s a good team player, and we’re all delighted that he got the three goals.”

Rooney compounded the visitors' misery in the closing moments of the match by firing a fantastic 25-yard effort past Mark Bunn in the Norwich goal. Naturally the striker was delighted to get on the scoresheet.

“Yeah it’s always nice to score, and in injury time right at the end of the game it was great to get that goal. I think overall it was a good performance."

As well as boosting the goals-for column by four, United claimed a fourth consecutive clean sheet, a feat Wayne believes is vital going into Tuesday’s second-leg against Real.

“Early on in the season we were conceding too many goals," admitted Rooney.

"We seemed to have coped with that, we’re not conceding and we’re scoring goals so we’re in a great position at the minute. So, hopefully we can continue for Tuesday.

"Obviously it [United vs Real Madrid] is two of the biggest clubs in the world, so it will be an exciting night, we’re all looking forward to it. Three points against Norwich were vital to put us in good spirits for the game on Tuesday.”