Can Manchester United build on the victory over Partizan Belgrade by beating Norwich City too?
It was our first away win since March, and now it is time to kick on in the Premier League.
Norwich are out of form, but grim memories of a 2-0 loss at Carrow Road in 2006 against a better United side should ensure we do not underestimate a dangerous Canaries side which upset Manchester City earlier this season.
United made seven changes against Partizan from the team which drew with Liverpool. This gave rest to several regulars who we expect to re-take their places against Norwich.
Sticking with three at the back
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suggested he is happy with the formation shift and will most probably stick with it
He told ESPN: “I think the injuries made us get into a position where the performances didn’t come and we had fit centre-backs, good centre-backs, quality centre-backs and it just made it easier to go to a back three against Liverpool and again against Partizan.
“Marcos played a World Cup final in a back three, Harry was involved in a back three in a semifinal. Injuries have made us go into this position but it’s working quite well.”
Injuries
Paul Pogba has been ruled out of the fixture, while Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic and Diogo Dalot are all also out with injuries.
Axel Tuanzebe’s status is unclear after pulling out of the Liverpool game in the warm up with injury. Even if he doesn’t return, he would probably only make the bench.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Eric Bailly remain long term absentees.
David de Gea will be fit to return in goal after resting against Partizan, having made a surprise recovery from a hamstring problem to face Liverpool.
Key decisions
The three at the back should pick itself with Tuanzebe out. Harry Maguire, Marcos Rojo and Victor Lindelöf. Phil Jones will be on the bench as cover.
A key decision is at left-back. Brandon Williams was superb against Partizan and had Solskjaer raving about him afterwards.
It should be an easy call to bring in the 19-year-old for a first Premier League start ahead of Ashley Young.
In midfield, James Garner will probably drop to the bench for Fred. Andreas Pereira deserves another start in the number 10 role ahead of Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata.
Up front United have a decision to make. Anthony Martial scored a penalty against Partizan but didn’t look himself.
It might be better to start with Rashford and James here as against Liverpool, and bring Martial off the bench.
Essentially this would be the same team which started against Liverpool, with the exception of Williams replacing Young.
A win would take United to 13 points from 10 games. It is still far from ideal, but a step in the right direction.
We sit 14th at the moment, but could end the weekend in the top half if results go our way.
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