Manchester United picked up their first away win in nine Premier League games as they defeated Norwich City 3-1 at Carrow Road on Sunday evening.
Manchester United took the lead against Norwich through a Scott McTominay strike in the 21st minute and could have gone 2-0 up soon after, but Tim Krul managed to save a Marcus Rashford penalty. The England international made amends immediately though, getting on the end of a brilliant Daniel James pass and burying it into the goal.
The Red Devils were awarded another penalty close to half-time, but once again Krul was up to the task, this time denying Anthony Martial from the spot. But, the Frenchman got his goal in the second period, with a fine dink over the Norwich keeper after some neat interplay with Rashford.
Substitute Onel Hernandez pulled one back for the hosts late on, as United held on for their third league win of the season, which sees them move to the 7th spot in the table. Here’s how we rated the performances of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men on the evening.
David de Gea: 6/10
The Spaniard, returning to the lineup after being rested during the week, had little to do for most of the game. Did well to tip over a Todd Cantwell effort in the first period, but couldn’t stop Hernandez’s late goal to secure a clean sheet.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 7/10
Made a crucial clearance in the first period and kept on chipping in with key interventions every time Norwich looked to cause a problem, in what was a solid defensive display from the new signing. Was decent going forward as well. Booked for a rather reckless challenge towards the end of first half, though.
Victor Lindelof: 6/10
Back into the starting XI, the Swedish international did fairly well against Teemu Pukki. But, once again Lindelof looked unconvincing as there quite a few iffy moments scattered throughout the ninety minutes, most notably for the chances for Cantwell and Pukki on either side of half-time.
Harry Maguire: 7/10
Returned to his groove after an uncharacteristically off-colour display during the week. Solid for most parts of the game, dealing with whatever came his way without much trouble. Calm and composed on the ball, Maguire strode forward with confidence whenever an opportunity presented. However, he did get caught off guard for Hernandez’s late goal.
Ashley Young: 5/10
Back into the team, the Manchester United captain provided a decent outlet going forward, especially in the first half. But, had his fair share of troubles defensively as Max Aarons made life difficult for him. Booked for a scathing challenge on the Norwich City youngster in the second half.
Scott McTominay: 8/10
Another game, another typical Scott McTominay display filled with energy and purpose. The Manchester United academy graduate showed great awareness to score the opening goal. Filled with positive intent when on the ball and more than pulled his weight in the defensive side of things as well. Gave away the ball leading to Norwich’s goal, which was the only blemish in his performance.
Fred: 7/10
One of the Brazilian’s better displays in Manchester United colours. Scrapped hard in the middle, kept things ticking with purposeful passing throughout. Won the second penalty as it was his shot that Cantwell handled in the box. Did lose possession here and there, but largely solid and steady on the evening.
Daniel James: 8/10
The summer signing continues to prove to be a wonderful piece of investment for Manchester United. Won the first penalty with a piercing run into the box, before setting Rashford up with an exceptional pass that showed his vision and technique. Created another chance for Martial with a similar pass, which was saved by Krul. Clearly the standout player so far this season.
Andreas Pereira: 6/10
Starting as the most advanced midfielder, Pereira was involved in a lot of positive moves for Manchester United early on, showing good understanding with his fellow attackers, while his set-piece delivery also seemed to cause problems for the hosts. However, faded as the time went on and couldn’t make a decisive impact on the game.
Marcus Rashford: 8/10
Moved out to the left flank, the Manchester United No. 10 was lively from the get-go, causing plenty of problems to the Norwich defence with his pace and movement. Apart from the tame penalty that was stopped, Rashford forced Krul into a save from tight angle, before eventually beating the Dutchman for United’s second. Great assist for Martial’s goal in the second half. Confidence is back.
Anthony Martial: 8/10
Spearheading the Manchester United attack on the evening, Martial got the first big chance of the game, but his headed effort was saved by a magnificent save from Krul. Had his penalty saved by the Norwich keeper, before forcing him into another save early in the second half.
Did get his goal finally with a lovely dinked effort after a great one-two with Rashford. Dragged the hosts’ defence out of position consistently and made things happen. His presence on the field clearly enhances Manchester United’s game in the final third.
Anthony Martial’s game by numbers vs. Norwich City:
80% pass accuracy
4 penalty area shots
4/4 shots on target
1 chance created
1 goalSo good to have him back. ? pic.twitter.com/riD3vCHJxo
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 27, 2019
Substitutes
Mason Greenwood: 5/10
Replaced Martial for the final fifteen minutes. Should have done better with an opportunity that was saved by an injured Krul late on.
Jesse Lingard: N/A
Came on for James with less than ten minutes to go. Had a shot go over and created the chance for Greenwood.
James Garner: N/A
Late substitute for Pereira.
