Norwich travel to Old Trafford this Saturday in a game that pitches perception against reality in terms of how one previews the matchup.
Much of the talk ahead of the game surrounds the crisis that, apparently, continues to envelop this still famous club. Chastised by large sections of the media – along with a vocal minority of the club’s fans – manager Louis van Gaal cuts an increasingly beleaguered figure on the sidelines – that is if one can ever truly refer to a such a stubborn and arrogantly disingenuous character as “beleaguered” – as his team delve to new depths of laboured attacking play. Bizarre tactical and personnel choices have only exacerbated a situation whereby a club long associated with scintillating football have become the by-word for tedium.
However, it is unarguable that the Dutchman has improved many facets of the side since his arrival.
The Reds have kept a Premier League high of nine clean sheets so far this term, and while it is right to be critical of the manner of their defeat at Bournemouth last time out, it is also worth remembering that they are still only four points from the top.
If the ‘perception vs reality’ debate is one that can be had regarding United, then it is also a discussion that can similarly be applied to the Canaries.
Despite slipping in to the relegation zone last weekend as a result of Newcastle’s surprise victory against Tottenham, Norwich have not necessarily played as badly as their position suggests.
It is true, of course, with reference that most worn of cliches, that the table does not lie. However, a case can be made that we haven’t necessarily displayed what could be deemed the performance of a team threatened with relegation on more than a handful of occasions.
Plenty of times this season, we have seen this Norwich side battle valiantly, only to succumb to defeat as a result of individual or brief collective error.
And this where perception is put aside; the cold, start reality of our situation taking centre stage.
For all the aforementioned valiancy and encouraging displays, we have simply not been consistently good enough in the two key areas where a side can positively affect a game; namely in defence and in attack.
It seems almost too obvious to type, but a team that makes as many defensive lapses as we do, combined with a strike force as profligate as ours appears to be, doesn’t stand the greatest of chances of winning the number of football matches required to stave off relegation.
This weekend, then, provides both sides with the opportunity to achieve a moral boosting result.
United, for all their attacking failings, have generally been steadfast with regards to the defensive side of their game. Their forwards may be faltering, but facing a Norwich side with one of the most poorest defences in the league – only one clean sheet so far this season – could be just the fillip that Martial and co need.
Add in the potential milestone of Wayne Rooney making his 500th appearance for the club and this could be an afternoon to savour for the Old Trafford faithful.
On the flip side, the home side’s lacklustre attacking threat could be to our advantage.
We have already shown this season that we are capable of frustrating big sides such as Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool on their own turf and there is no reason why we cannot do so again; particularly if the central defensive partnership of Bassong and Bennett is restored.
That those matches at the Etihad, Stamford Bridge and Anfield only yielded one point is down solely to individual error, rather than any major flaw in tactical approach. If we can eliminate our propensity to shoot ourselves in the foot, then we stand a decent chance of keeping United at bay and getting something from the game.
Of our chances of scoring against such a miserly defence, I am less confident, admittedly, but this does not mean that we cannot nick something.
It might not be the prettiest of games, but we should at least avoid the ignominy of another four-nil loss; the result of our last three visits to Old Trafford.
