United,well entertained.....

If anything makes a win sweeter or even more beautiful than it is, it’s when your opponent admits that they deserved to lose. After United lost to Norwich, Sir Alex said in his post match interview that the 3 points were very well deserved, so there is no doubt who the better team was on the day. Delia Smith's cooking continues to push the canneries as they have gone 5 premier league games without a defeat and they just added Manchester united to that list. If questions were raised about their victory over Arsenal, the simple answer will be do not mistake luck for skill. The guiding principle as I said before is to play to your strength and your ability and Norwich proved that was all they needed. Naturally, there are a few questions you could ask about United, yes Rooney was not available as he was nursing an ankle problem and has tonsillitis but the quality of Hernandez and Van Persie should be enough right? Is Chicarito better coming in from the bench? United have qualified for the champions league, so why not play your strongest midfield..you could say Giggs can do the job in the middle but why use a broom when you have Dyson? Regardless of the answers, it was a good day and a win for Norwich.

The game started slowly as Norwich took the cautious approach of 4-5-1, looking to hit on the counter; United maintained the 4-4-2 formation that they have been using to great effect recently. There were not many chances created but it was good open play from both sides. The Norwich players were taking the game like a cup final and United looked like they were playing a pre-season game in the Far East. Robin Van Persie,kicked the air when he was picked out by Giggs ,Rvp must have been feeling the effect from leaving his car in the disabled parking area at the Manchester airport..maybe he was trying to tell us something...

In the second half, the game started as it finished, United not starting with any urgency and Norwich still thinking there were in Wembley....then the key moment in the game happened, when a cross from the former Man city defender Garrido found Anthony Pilkington in the United area, a cushioned header guided the ball past Lindergaard and gave Norwich the lead.Pilkington, an ex United youth team player before he was let go years ago. Moments before the match, Sir Alex was asked if he knew him, his reply was simply “I don't remember him". However, with his sublime goal, I am sure he will not be forgotten, at least till the end of the season. United being the come back kings of the season, the game was far from over but from what I could see, and what the travelling fans could see, this wasn't the comeback Manchester United, more like the Hangover United. The familiar story of coming back to win matches looked more like a myth. Worthy of note, the Norwich goal keeper made two fine saves at extra time but that came after Norwich had the chance to make it 2-0...but 1-0 it ended.

United have not drawn any game this season but have lost 3 and are a point behind Man City. City haven't lost a game in the league this season...the all or nothing approach from United creates spaces and allows the other teams to score at least one goal. Yes the strike force has bailed them out on many occasions but as it failed to work against Norwich..maybe a new approach should be taken. Sir Alex feels Manchester United must rediscover their urgency after losing (u think!).A happy belated birthday to Paul Scholes who turned 38 on Friday...maybe a late party affected the players...so watch out because Giggs celebrates his 39th on Friday the 23rd,let's hope he hosts the boys with energy drinks so they can be fresh come Saturday....

In more words to come..Sabi Boi