Manchester United v. Norwich City - Match Preview


By David Hobbs
August 20 2004

Manchester United will be looking to put the disappointment of last weekend's Chelsea game behind them and claim their first points of the new Premiership season at home to newcomers Norwich City. Hobbs in Trouble

Manchester United v. Norwich City - Match Preview
Manchester United will be looking to put the disappointment of last weekend's Chelsea game behind them and claim their first points of the new Premiership season at home to newcomers Norwich City.

Norwich have already got more points than United so far this season following their 1-1 draw with fellow new-boys Crystal Palace. But remember, it's a marathon - not a sprint.

The Canneries have made a few decent coups to bolster their Premiership squad over the summer that include Danish veteran Thomas Helveg, England U21 international David Bentley and most recently Gary Doherty, a versatile centre-half from Spurs.

Boss Nigel Worthington is confident about Saturday's clash with FA Cup winners United and claims his Norwich side have nothing to lose: "This is what being in the Premiership is all about, playing Manchester United at Old Trafford" he said

"We fully deserve to be on the big stage and now we've got to out and perform on it."

Sir Alex Ferguson has a reputation of underestimating new sides that have been promoted and paid the price for that against Wolves last season but insists the fixture is as important as ever: "We never take anyone for granted," insists the Scotsman.

He added: "You have to remember they are a team desperate to do well."

"Some of them will never have played at Old Trafford. It's a big day for them and Norwich will be very committed.
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The Red Devils have been blessed with the news that winger Cristiano Ronaldo is fit to play a part in the 5:35pm kick-off after arriving back early from the Olympics.

Darren Fletcher has complete his one match ban and there could be a spot for Kleberson on the bench after training with the squad following a knee problem.

On-loan Arsenal starlet David Bentley has over-come a calf strain whilst Gary Doherty could make his debut in a Norwich jersey following his Friday afternoon switch from Spurs.

ManUtdWeb Prediction: Manchester United 2 - Norwich City 0: It'll be a tough game considering morale is low after the Chelsea result and Community Shield defeat. It's important United keep a clean sheet, which I'm sure they'll do.

One-to-Watch: Darren Huckerby: The former Manchester City striker already has a Premiership goal to his name and will be a potent threat all season. If he features, keep an eye out for Gary Doherty - he'll have something to prove and will be a danger from corners.

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The Norwich match will be shown midnight Sunday 22nd and repeated at 8pm Monday 23rd on MUTV, Sky channel 406.

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