“There is no doubt that we have to win because when you lose too much then even for me it is the end of the world”.
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A Champions League exit was swiftly followed by a defeat by Bournemouth in the league. The bad news was that they didn’t need to.
However, failure to win in any of their last five games in all competitions and eviction from the group stages of the Champions League has had a lot of tongues wagging over his long-term future. The players know that, I know that, the fans know that, and the board know that. Can Louis van Gaal get his depleted side back to winning ways against the Canaries on Saturday?
Daley Blind has insisted that spirits are high at Manchester United despite the team’s poor form in recent weeks.
The Englishman will be joined by Ander Herrera, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young, all expected to be fit to be in the squad to face Alex Neil’s men. That is what used to happen at Old Trafford on a regular basis.
For the visitors, Andre Wisdom will miss the match with a hamstring injury, whilst Declan Rudd is likely to continue in goal in place of John Ruddy.
Thirteen of the 18 goals Norwich have scored this season have been the direct result of crosses from out wide, with seven of these from set-pieces (the most in the Premier League). Alex Neil’s side were happy to sit back and cede possession to Van Gaal’s, who saw plenty of the ball but failed to convert it into chances.
In common with many promoted clubs, Neil’s side has been praised for the way they its plays, deploying quick, direct players such as Nathan Redmond and former red Robbie Brady. The Norwich manager, however, stressed players must take responsibility for their own actions. And that needs to start this weekend with Norwich travelling up to Old Trafford tomorrow. If we produce the second half against Everton or Manchester City and Liverpool away from home there is no reason we can’t be competitive and take something away.
Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United are without a win in five games.
But there was to be no late reprieve, and the frustrated home fans greeted the final whistle with a chorus of boos. (Man United 3-1 Liverpool).
Anthony Martial lashed in United’s reply from close range but the host, for which captain Wayne Rooney returned from injury to make his 500th appearance for the club, could not find an equalizer.
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The Canaries have won just one of their last 11 league games. There’s no point papering over the cracks; the Dutchman is squarely responsible for numerous reasons for his team’s underperformance so far this season.
