Manchester United returned to winning ways after a 4-0 victory over a lacklustre Norwich City. The home side took the lead through Marcus Rashford, after Juan Mata played a delightful cross to the back post, which was subsequently stabbed home well by the England international. United were two ahead not long after the break, with Rashford scoring from the penalty spot to grab his 10th goal at Old Trafford so far this season. Just a few minutes later, it was three, Anthony Martial this time heading home from an inviting cross. The Red Devils sealed the win in style late on, with substitute Mason Greenwood scoring yet another long-range goal, to wrap up a deserved win.
Positives
After an awful run of results, the onus was very much on United to show that they can perform without having to rely on counter attacks. To the delight of the home faithful, Rashford was immense, particularly in terms of his movement. The England forward has now scored 10 goals at home this season, a Premier League high. Similarly, the addition of Mata, and the position in which he played, will surely go down as another positive, with his obvious creativity helping to unleash the talents of Rashford & Co.
Negatives
In a largely pleasing display, the only possible drawback was the home side's vulnerability to the counter-attack. The first half presented Norwich with a worrying amount of space to run into. Todd Cantwell was almost the biggest beneficiary, only to be denied by a brilliant David De Gea save.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appeared to get his team selection spot on, with Mata's inclusion proving to be key, after contributing with a fine assist, and consistent creativity. The midfield balance was also notably improved, with Fred and Matic coping well in possession, while also working hard. Rashford, who operated from a wide position, combined beautifully well with Martial -- to prove that the duo can operate against a deep defensive line. Overall, the Norwegian boss got his selection right despite being under a huge amount of pressure.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK David De Gea, 7 -- Pulled off a sensational save from Cantwell, turning a curling effort around the post. A solid display from the Spanish shot-stopper
DF Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 8 -- Was a factor in adding to United's threat down the right-hand side, consistently overlapping Mata ahead of him, to play dangerous balls for the United forwards. An exemplary performance, particularly in the first half.
DF Victor Lindelof, 6 -- Looked slightly ropey early on up against the pacey Adam Idah. However, the Swedish defender improved in the second half, shutting down the Canaries' attempts to get back into the game.
DF Harry Maguire, 7 -- In what was a fairly quiet day for the United backline, Maguire had a decent outing, blocking well from Idah early in the game. The England man's performance dispelled injury worries prior to the game.
DF Brandon Williams, 8 -- The youngster will be immensely frustrated to have not scored his first career goal, after blazing a point-blank shot high into the Streford End. Despite that disappointment, the academy graduate was impressive in both defence and attack, staking his claim as United's regular left-back.
MF Fred, 7 -- An improved display from the Brazilian, whose passing was tidy, and his energy set the tempo for his teammates. In an attacking sense, he perhaps wasn't quite as influential as some of his peers, but overall, a solid afternoon.
MF Nemanja Matic, 7 -- The towering Serbian was surprisingly effective in possession, linking well with the team's attacking trio. His future at the club may not be assured, but on today's evidence, he still has plenty to offer at Old Trafford.
MF Andreas Pereira, 7 -- The Brazil international played well as United's No.10, linking play and working hard to win the ball back high up the pitch. While his teammates will steal the headlines, Pereira's role in bis team's decisive win should not be overlooked.
FW Juan Mata, 8 -- Provided a superb assist for Rashford opening goal, introducing a level of creatively that has perhaps been lacking for United against low-block defences. Mata operated well from a wide position, linking up superbly with Wan-Bissaka down the right-hand side.
FW Marcus Rashford, 9 -- United's most consistently influential player who, yet again, rounded off a fine afternoon with a goal. With Martial spearheading the attack, Rashford was a thorn in the side of Norwich's defenders with his intelligent runs -- one of which led to his fine back-post finish. A second-half penalty gave him a richly deserved double.
FW Anthony Martial, 8 -- Dangerous movement and wonderful link-up play were hallmarks of this performance by the Frenchman, who was menacing throughout. Capped off his day's work with a well-taken header in the second period.
Substitutes
Daniel James, 6 -- The Welsh winger was lively, but ultimately unable to influence the game a tremendous amount.
Mason Greenwood, 7 -- The exciting teenager came on to score his fourth Premier League goal of the season, striking beautifully from outside the box to give United a 4-0 lead late on.
Angel Gomes, N/A