United entertain Norwich today knowing a win will put the Reds 15 points clear of neighbours City who are away at Aston Villa on Monday night.
With the small matter of a the visit of a certain Spanish side on Tuesday night, Sir Alex can’t be planning on playing a full strength side, but he will realise the importance of maintaining the distance between United and City.
The trip to Carrow Road earlier in the season showed just what Norwich are capable of especially when playing a side not firing on all cylinders, despite that 1-0 win for his team, Chris Houghton will know a visit to Old Trafford is a completely different proposition.
We can fully expect Sir Alex to pick only a handful of players who’ll make it for Tuesday, but with the current strength-in-depth of the squad there should be enough to overcome mid-table Norwich.
Predicted line-up: DDG, Rafael, Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling, Alexander Buttner, Ashley Young, Anderson, Ryan Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Chicharito.
Have we got it right? Let us know your predicted line-up below:
DDD
Rafael smalling vidic Buttner
Nani Ando Cleverly young
Rooney
Chicharito
refleshment of kagawa
D skod is ok 4 me,bt,wat’s rong wt Cleverly?
DDG, raf,smalin,evans,buttner,valen,ando,giggs,kagawa,rooney,welbs
Very brave to predict the team for this game being the first of 3 key matches at OT in 8 days with RM in the middle. On the one hand Fergie clearly has a specific set up in mind for RM to deal with their threat on the break. On the other he cannot contemplate throwing away another big lead in the league and clearly does not want to give City any encouragement whatsoever. He will not want to be without the height and defensive cover provided by Carrick against a strong aerial threat like Norwich. If Jones is unfit we are out of options unless he goes for something radical in that role. Jonny Evans perhaps?