Manchester United v Norwich City Saturday 26th April 2014 Kick off 5:30pm Here we go once again, our second trip of the season to the theatre of nightmares (ask any Ipswich fan Don't worry, one will be along soon no doubt ) at Old Trafford, off the back of an overall dismal record at both this ground and every other ground in the Premier League, needing something from the game to either keep or raise hopes of survival in the top flight. Before Monday, there appeared to be a wave of optimism (following the showing against Liverpool), that something may be for the taking in this game, with David Moyes not instilling the fear that Sir Alex managed in his time, but the departure of Moyes seems to have dented that 'wave' and the fear of the 'new manager bounce' may play a part in today's big game. However, who is Ryan Giggs? As a manager, he is nothing and if people were quick to point out that Neil Adams had no experience, then the good news is that Ryan Giggs has even less! A straw to clutch on to perhaps, but we have to grasp at anything these days. Other than a poor and slow start last week against 'Champions elect' Liverpool, Norwich City put on one of their best performances of the season, hopefully something that can be carried over to this game. Indeed it is something that is needed to get anything from the Red Devils, for as poor as they have been by their standards, they are still better then the Canaries (on paper). The team to start could well be the same as least week, with young JM on the bench, eager to get another run out, and I hope the formation will be as it was for the majority of last weeks game. Norwich do not have any new injuries (for a change) but Man Utd will be without Robin Van Persie, which could be useful, although he has not exactly been prolific this season. Head-to-head Manchester United have won five of their last six games against Norwich, including the last three. Norwich have failed to win their last nine matches away to the Red Devils, losing eight of those games. But the one to hold on to is..... The Canaries' last victory at Old Trafford was 2-0 in a top-flight match on 30 August 1989 - coincidentally, that was the last season in which United finished outside the top six. Manchester United Defeat to Everton means the Red Devils will finish the season with fewer than 70 points for the first time since 1990-91. Their points tally (57) is their lowest at this stage of the season since 1990-91 (56). David Moyes named a different starting line-up in all 51 of his games in charge of Manchester United. (and we thought CH didn't know his best XI!) Moyes won 27 of 51 games (D9, L15). His win ratio (52.9%) is the third highest of all United managers , bettered only by Sir Alex Ferguson (59.7%) and Ernest Mangnall (54.1%, between 1903 and 1912) - and it still wasn't enough The Red Devils have taken 44 points against sides in the bottom half of the table this season - but only six points against teams in the top six. Norwich City Norwich have lost their last four Premier League games. The last time they lost five in a row was between February and April 2005, when they went on to be relegated. (Bodes well doesn't it ) They have lost their last seven away league matches. An eighth defeat would be their worst run in the top flight since a similar sequence between December 1980 and March 1981. (Bodes well doesn't it ) They have claimed eight points away from home this season and scored just 11 times - both are the lowest figures in the division. (Bodes well doesn't it ) Gary Hooper ended a run of 16 league appearances without a goal by scoring against Liverpool. (A chink of light at the end of the tunnel) The Canaries have the lowest shot conversion rate in the Premier League this season (8.7%). Personally I fear a defeat is on the cards, but there are some crazy results appearing all of a sudden and we have to grasp on to these straws as and when they appear. COYY
Good work Thai. I'm Expecting a few goals for a change. Think both of the new bosses will be thinking best defence is to attack and score more than the other. Be good for RvW to blow the dust off his shooting boots today (please!). Anyone else think Giggs is a strange choice for manager. No question about his football ability, but always saw him as the quiet, obedient, follower... he just doesn't strike me as a voice of motivation or leadership. Appreciate it's just temporary (probably like our own), but still I don't see the short term gain of him leading the team either. We'll see I guess. 2-2
Giggs a quiet obedient follower? Try telling that to his brother, poor fecker. Great thread Thai, and am looking forward to a belter today - Giggs I think will let them play unshackled and I think it'll be more open than his bedroom door. I'm madly optimistic about this one. Come on you Yellows!
Ryan Giggs has claimed being named Manure manager as his greatest achievement ....eclipsing knobbing his brothers wife !
Got to be better than Fulham v Hull it's fecking dire. Mind you, if Hull sneak a point or more I'll be happy
Bit more of the build-up here if people are interested: [video]http://zippy.gfycat.com/QuaintVariableBeetle.webm[/video] What a hit.
Just seen it tweeted that if they lose today Lambert's record at Villa will be worse than McLeish's ! I haven't checked that out mind.
