Sunday 20 December 2015

Match report: United 1-2 Norwich

United's winless run extended to six games as Norwich became the first team to leave Old Trafford with all three points this season to increase the pressure on LVG.

The hosts once again dominated proceedings but were stunned by breakaway goals either side of half-time through Cameron Jerome and Alex Tettey.

Anthony Martial pulled one back as United launched a late rally but it proved in vain as the struggling Canaries held on for their first ever Premier League win at Old Trafford.

The returning Wayne Rooney- on his 500th appearance for the club- had an early effort ruled out for offside and Memphis also went close with a dipping drive from close range.

United continued to push for the opener and Martin Olsson's attempted clearance ricocheted off Michael Carrick and dropped to Rooney, whom crossed for Memphis to nod narrowly over.

Having had nearly all of the ball and most of the chances, Old Trafford was shocked seven minutes before the break when Norwich went ahead against the run of play.

Nathan Redmond slipped a pass through to Jerome, whom shrugged off his marker and fired low past David de Gea- the first goal United had conceded at home since Wolfsburg in September.

United upped the tempo in search of an equaliser but it was Alex Neil's Norwich whom doubled their lead when Carrick lost the ball in midfield and Jerome played in Tettey to toe poke beond De Gea.

Rooney went close with a scissor kick and Wes Hoolahan forced a save from Dave at the other end, but United finally found the breakthrough 25 minutes from time.

Rooney narrowly failed to connect with the excellent Ashley Young's whipped in cross on the right, but the loose ball fell to Anthony Martial whom snaffled up the chance and kept the Reds alive.

Canaries keeper Declan Rudd saved well from Juan Mata and Daley Blind lashed across goal at the hosts rallied, but Norwich remained a threat on the counter and De Gea saved well from substitute Youssuf Mulumbu.

Mike Smallnig headed inches wide from a clever chipped pass by Mata, and Young lashed an effort just off target, but that proved to be the final action of the game. 

Overall team performance: 6.5/10
United Faithful Man of the Match: Ashley Young 

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