It’s very possible the motivation Manchester United needed was a big team game that would set them back on track and the Liverpool game gave them that. The Red Devils trashed Norwich City 3-1 over the weekend to spiral up to 7th in the Premier League table.
It’s been tough for the thirteen times Premier League winners since the start of the season, winning 3 games out of 10, taking 3 losses with 10 goals conceded. (Premier League Stat)
It is a known fact that Manchester United remains the most successful club in the history of Premier League but it is also clear how poor they have performed this season, being 2 points away from the relegation zone before their match against Liverpool that gave them the boost they needed. A win against Norwich City has started to make it look like the club is back on track.
Even though Manchester United took the win in what was their second successive win – the midweek Europa League win against Partizan Belgrade being the first – the goals could have been more but Norwich City’s goalie, Tim Krul saved two penalties from both Rashford and Martial to deny the Red Devils more goals.
Players who ran the show
David de Gea was on his best form as usual. Made a fine save shortly before half-time to preserve the clean sheet for the interval with a total of 8 saves. (WhoScored)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a good game taking possession with an average of 5.6 with 96 touches, 50 passes, 36 accurate passes, and 72% pass success. He had 1 dribble with 10 incredible tackles and a tackle success of 91%. He also had 2 clearances and 4 interceptions. (WhoScored)
He was like a wall in the defense.
Andreas Pereira interchanged productively with his fellow attackers, moving from the playmaker role to the left flank. His movement aided United’s positive play. He had an overall rating of 7.34 with 2 shots on goal. He had 54 touches and an average of 4.2 possession. He had 29 passes with 20 accurate passes and 71% pass success.
Also, he had 3 dribbles, 10 corners with 30% corner accuracy. (WhoScored)
Anthony Martial enhanced the attack as he pulled Norwich all over the place and eventually scored a majestic goal after he was denied from 12 yards. He had 4 shots on goal, 41 touches with an average of 3.1 for possession. He had 25 total passes out of which 20 was accurate and had 2 dribbles with 1 key pass. (WhoScored)
Conclusion
The Liverpool draw seems to be the eye-opener for Manchester United. A sought of wake up call to make both the players and the club understand they can do more and win more. The fighting spirit in them currently is encouraging and their form might continue to develop if they stick with all they are doing right.
It’s too early to say that after a draw and two wins but with their rise in the Premier League table from 13th to 7th, it’s safe to say they’re back on track and can finish in the top four if they manage their wins well.
