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Old Trafford (ATT 75,586) 2nd March 2013 - Kick off 15:00 Ref: N Swarbrick

Man Utd Manchester United vs Norwich City Norwich

Man Utd 4

S Kagawa (45+1, 76, 87)
W Rooney (90)


Live Commentary

This article updates itself. There is no need to refresh this page. Last Updated at 4:55 pm, March 2nd 2013

  1. 16.55

    Thanks for tuning in this afternoon! Stay with Sky Sports for the full match report and all the reaction.

  2. It's all over! United beat Norwich 4-0 thanks to Kagawa's hat-trick and a sweet strike from Rooney late on.

  3. 90+4

    Turner does well on the stretch to prevent Welbeck getting to a ball in the box and that looks like it could be it...

  4. 90+4

    Cleverley gets forward as we near the full-time whistle but the hosts are kept at bay as Norwich carry on in damage-control mode.

  5. 90+3

    Valencia tries to pick someone out with a through-ball into the box but it somehow evades both Rooney and Kagawa and rolls back to Bunn.

  6. 90+2

    United are sitting comfortably on the ball as the minutes trickle down. It's unfortunate for Norwich, who did well in the first half but have been truly worn down since that opening goal.

  7. 90+1

    It's a sweet strike from Rooney, who's been great in a creative role today and has got his moment in the spotlight late on.

  8. What a goal from the striker, who drops his shoulder to lose Johnson before applying a lovely dipping finish from range to defy Bunn. Fantastic finish.

  9. 90


  10. 90

    It looks up all wrapped up for United now and Kagawa will feel he's definitely staked his claim for a spot against Real on Tuesday night.

  11. It's the Japanese player that starts the move as he picks out Welbeck in midfield and the striker finds Rooney, who passes back to Kagawa in the box. He takes a couple of good touches before dinking it into the back of the net over Bunn. Quality stuff again from the United man.

  12. 88


  13. 87

    De Gea, who hasn't had much to do today, does well to keep a long ball inside and he feeds it back to his defenders.

  14. 86

    The spark seems to have gone out of this Norwich side after the second goal and it looks like United just need to steer this home.

  15. 85

    Evans deals with a throw in from Garrido and rolls a leisurely ball back to De Gea, with United in no hurry now.

  16. 84

    Valencia gets the better of Garrido down the right and drives the ball into the box, with Rooney and Kagawa lurking, but the former gets in the way and can't create something.

  17. 83

    After that lull in play the action resumes, with Welbeck gingerly getting to his feet. It looks like United are home and dry but injuries are still a worry for Ferguson ahead of the clash with Real.

  18. 82

    Welbeck is on the ground receiving treatment and the yellow card does indeed come out for Turner.

  19. 81

    Welbeck is left floored after an over-eager challenge from Turner in midfield. It's a clumsy one and he might be looking at a yellow.

  20. 80

    We're into the final 10 minutes and United are closing on extending their lead at the top to 15 points. Norwich will have to quickly regroup if they're going to strike back.

  21. 79

    'The city is ours' is the chant ringing out through Old Trafford. United are looking for another as Kagawa and Carrick swap passes.

  22. 77

    Nice movement from United there for that goal and they'll be feeling pretty comfortable now, with the mood in the stadium much more jubilant.

  23. Rooney does brilliantly to lose Bassong as he pounces on a long, impeccable ball into the box from Carrick then unselfishly dishes it out to the onrushing Kagawa, who rolls it home.

  24. 77


  25. 76

    There's been confirmation Johnson was in fact booked for that challenge on Rooney a few moments ago - not too surprising.

  26. 75

    Cleverley's second touch is lacking as he tries to slot through for Kagawa in the penalty area but his effort is a wayward one.

  27. 75

    Cleverley gets his first touch as he finds Welbeck out on the left of midfield, with United attempting to build something.

  28. 74

    United also make another swap as Anderson goes off for Cleverley.

  29. 74

    Another change for Norwich as Snodgrass goes off after putting a real shift in, with Bennett coming on in his place.

  30. 73

    Rooney's caught in midfield by Johnson after a sudden change of pace and he lifts his hand immediately in apology. He's perhaps lucky not to get a yellow.

  31. 72

    Here he comes then, Kei Kamara replaces Wes Hoolahan. Can he repeat last weekend's heroics? Worth noting he's already scored against United in a pre-season friendly back in 2010.

  32. 72

    Anderson and Rooney attempt a one-two but some good screening from Howson foils them on the edge of the box.

  33. 71

    Carrick is chased down by Howson as he tries to force an error from the United man in the hosts' half but he manages to roll back to De Gea.

  34. 70

    Rooney's long ball forward seeks out Evra on the left but the Frenchman is flagged offside and the ball goes back to Bunn, who's battling on.

  35. 69

    Valencia tries a run down the right and Garrido earns himself a booking to add insult to injury after he's nutmegged by the winger.

  36. 68

    Norwich have a free-kick in midfield which Martin lofts in but Vidic beats Holt to the ball as they both rise to meet it.

  37. 67

    Welbeck is straight into the mix as he tries to set up Valencia on the edge of the box but he can't get a shot away under pressure from the Norwich defence.

  38. 66

    Van Persie's afternoon is over, anyhow, as he makes way for Welbeck. He seems ok after that earlier injury scare though.

  39. 66

    Rooney tries his luck with a shot across goal from the edge of the box but can't catch it right, and Van Persie appears peeved he didn't pass.

  40. 65

    Howson slips through Snodgrass but he's squeezed out at the back for a United goal-kick. It appears Van Persie could come off for United.

  41. 64

    Bunn looks hurt again after a slight knock with Van Persie as he comes out to collect but he's carrying on.

  42. 63

    There's a big chance for Norwich but the ref blows his whistle for an apparent foul on Evra from Holt as he heads the ball on to Martin, but his shot is skewed over the bar from two yards anyway.

  43. 62

    Norwich are making United work here. There's another spell of tidy passing play as Hoolahan and Garrido link up in midfield.

  44. 61

    Snodgrass does well to keep the ball alive after the corner under pressure from Rooney and releases a terrific cross in from the right but it's Evra that greets it.

  45. 60

    Hoolahan tries his luck with a powerful shot from range which takes a nick off Carrick and hands Norwich another corner.

  46. 59

    Norwich have a corner after Pilkington is stopped in his tracks by Evans while on the attack. The deep ball goes beyond Holt and is seen off by the United defence.

  47. 58

    Kei Kamara, who came off the bench to score against Everton last week, is warming up on the touchline for Norwich.

  48. 58

    There's a spell of neat build-up in midfield from Norwich but Holt's ball, attempting to free Snodgrass, goes wayward.

  49. 57

    Valencia attempts a cross into the box from the right and he's denied by Martin as United win a corner.

  50. 56

    The delivery is guided towards Bassong, who jumps to greet it, but Evra is there with him and he can't get enough on it to head towards goal.

  51. 55

    Another long Carrick ball up towards the box is dealt with by Turner and rolled back to Bunn in goal. Vidic outmuscles Holt as they both go for the goal-kick and Norwich have a free-kick.

  52. 54

    United exchange passes, looking for a way through, and Carrick's long pass is seeking Robin van Persie but he's flagged offside.

  53. 53

    Rooney makes a good run to lose Turner but some more solid goalkeeping from Bunn foils him again as the keeper comes out to clear.

  54. 52

    Norwich have started well this half and United will be glad to get some possession as they trade passes at the back.

  55. 52

    It's Vidic again that deals with the delivery before a well-timed tackle from Smalling halts Snodgrass, on the charge again.

  56. 51

    There's a chance for Norwich as a great ball in from Russell Martin very nearly finds Snodgrass but Vidic just manages to put it behind. Canaries corner.

  57. 50

    United take a quick free-kick in the middle of the park after a foul on Evra but Norwich snatch back possession, trading passes out on the right.

  58. 49

    Howson's attempted pass to Johnson is intercepted by goalscorer Kagawa to halt a spell of Norwich attack. He atones when he intervenes on a United pass seconds later.

  59. 48

    Pilkington tries his luck with a long ball forward but it goes straight back to De Gea again. Vidic gets the ball away from Hoolahan on the edge of the box as Norwich come out brightly this half.

  60. 47

    There's apologies from Holt as his delivery flies straight through to De Gea without troubling anyone.

  61. 46

    It's Norwich that kick us off this half as they look for a way back from that 1-0 deficit. Smalling concedes a free-kick in the Norwich half.

  62. 16.05

    Good news for United fans - Van Persie and Evra both back out for the second half.

  63. 16.04

    It's almost time to get back underway. Thanks for all your comments at the break and enjoy the second half!

  64. 15.52

    You can get in touch with your thoughts on the opening 45 minutes by emailing or tweeting @SkySportsRachG and I'll publish some of your comments.

  65. 15.52

    Norwich were holding their own up until that stoppage-time strike and it will be interesting to see if the momentum swings in the second half.

  66. 15.50

    The whistle blows and that half ends United 1 Norwich 0. The Red Devils will be reasonably happy with the scoreline but have some concern ahead of the Real Madrid clash on Tuesday, with Van Persie appearing to hurt himself in the build-up to the goal and Evra floored by Snodgrass seconds before the break.

  67. 45+2

    Ferguson is not happy after that challenge on Evra, with United down to 10 momentarily as he receives treatment.

  68. 45+2

    Snodgrass earns a yellow card after a challenge on Evra in the aftermath of that goal.

  69. Valencia's cross in from the right is met by Van Persie in the box, who knocks it on for Kagawa. The Japanese player makes no mistake with the finish as United take the lead, but there's worry for the hosts as Van Persie appears to have done some damage while stretching for Valencia's ball.

  70. 15.47


  71. 45+1

    Two extra minutes are added this half and Evans wins a free-kick in the Norwich half after being impeded, which he takes quickly.

  72. 45

    Smalling lifts a cross in from the right as United try to build something in last couple of minutes but Van Persie can't get his header on target.

  73. 44

    We're on the brink of half-time and Norwich have more than held their own in the opening half - the question is whether they can keep it up in the second. The ball rolls to De Gea in the United goal as the minutes trickle down.

  74. 43

    Norwich are just managing to keep United on the edge of the box, closing the gaps to keep the hosts at bay, with the door eventually slamming shut as Kagawa's attempted ball through is intercepted.

  75. 42

    Rooney very nearly manages to direct a long ball on towards Valencia, loitering on the right, but can't quite get the touch.

  76. 41

    Snodgrass finds himself on the ball just inside the United half but he's closed down by the home defence and robbed of possession.

  77. 41

    Turner breaks up some more attempted link-up between Rooney and Kagawa to cool another spell of United attack.

  78. 40

    On the break, Holt finds Johnson out on the left with Snodgrass lurking in the middle but Johnson slips it back to Garrido.

  79. 39

    Norwich get a spell on the ball as they try to build from the back but Kagawa snatches back possession, with Evra ahead of him on the left.

  80. 38

    Valencia scoops a ball into the box looking for Rooney but the striker can't quite get to it and Norwich are allowed time to intervene.

  81. 37

    Howson puts the ball behind for another United corner on the right of goal. Johnson gets to Van Persie's effort first and Holt heads it away.

  82. 36

    A sloppy header from Turner leads to another spell of attractive United build-up until Van Persie tries his luck with an optimistic shot which he can only blast into the stands.

  83. 35

    An unusually slack Carrick pass gives Norwich some welcome relief as the visitors get back on the ball but Vidic diffuses an attack. 10 minutes to go in this half and United are back in possession.

  84. 34

    Rooney pounces on a Valencia ball in the box but his right-footed shot is blocked by Martin. United are slowly cranking up the pressure.

  85. 33

    Nothing comes of the second corner but United win yet another, this time on the left, thanks to Van Persie. Holt nods away Rooney's delivery.

  86. 33

    United win another corner in quick succession. The first was put out after Smalling and Rooney failed to latch onto Van Persie's delivery.

  87. 32

    Rooney wins a corner for United as he tries a shot from range and it's deflected behind by Bassong. Van Persie to take it.

  88. 31

    Holt concedes a free-kick in midfield after clipping Valencia as he tries to win the ball.

  89. 31

    Kagawa can't stop the ball going behind as he battles with Martin and the ref blows for a Norwich goal-kick.

  90. 30

    Rooney and Kagawa try another move in a similar position but can't pull it off again as the Canaries defence hold firm again.

  91. 29

    Smalling and Valencia link up on the right before the latter, faced by Pilkington, tries to break inside.

  92. 28

    Johnson slips in to rob Rooney of the ball in the Norwich half but the hosts soon regain possession. Rooney tries to poke the ball back towards Kagawa soon after as they break into the box but the visitors intervene.

  93. 27

    United want another corner after Vidic and Bassong both rise to meet the first one but the ref rules it's a Norwich goal-kick.

  94. 27

    Van Persie wins a corner for United after he's tracked by Bassong all the way to the line and he squeezes it behind.

  95. 26

    Some nice build-up from United as Van Persie crosses to find Valencia on the right of the box. Carrick and Kagawa then pair up before the former releases a shot but he can't get much on it and it prompts a comfortable low save from Bunn.

  96. 25

    Anderson looks for Kagawa with a diagonal ball over to the left of the Canaries' half but overcooks his effort and it's a Norwich throw.

  97. 24

    An inviting ball in for Holt from Hoolahan gives Norwich a chance but De Gea comes out to jump and snatch it to safety.

  98. 23

    Carrick tracks Johnson on the break and manages to dissolve the threat. The United midfielder then slots through a great ball to Kagawa on the left of the box but his cross is lacking.

  99. 22

    Anderson finds Valencia on the right but his cross into the box is dealt with. Another just moments later goes ungreeted at the far post.

  100. 21

    Martin's long ball forward is looking for Holt but Vidic does well to get his head to it to see off the danger.

  101. 20

    Anderson and Rooney try a one-two on the left but Norwich intervene, with Hoolahan rolling back to Bunn, who is tested with a kicked clearance but pulls it off.

  102. 19

    Van Persie does well to win a battle with several Norwich players in the Canaries' half and find space to pick out Kagawa.

  103. 18

    Bunn is back on his feet but signals he can't take the goal-kick, with Garrido stepping in to do the honours. The keeper is continuing but for how long remains to be seen.

  104. 17

    Bunn is on the floor receiving treatment after that collision with Van Persie, and it's a worry for manager Chris Hughton.

  105. 16

    There's some great link-up play from Rooney and Van Persie after Kagawa wins the ball in midfield but Bunn comes out with a brave save to deny the onrushing Dutchman in the box.

  106. 15

    Vidic deals with a long Norwich throw, rolling the ball back to De Gea in goal.

  107. 14

    It's a decent ball in from Van Persie and Bunn doesn't come out to attempt to get a fist to it, meaning Vidic is free to win the header, but he can't get his effort on target.

  108. 14

    A poor kick from Bunn puts Bassong in trouble and United win a free-kick just inside the Canaries' half, which Van Persie steps up to take.

  109. 13

    Norwich are knocking the ball around well with some more patient build-up but are once again driven back, with the ball rolling to Bunn.

  110. 12

    Anderson picks out Evra on a run down the left but Snodgrass is there with a sliding tackle to halt the Frenchman's charge.

  111. 11

    The Canaries are driven back deeper into their own half. Martin eventually manages to slot a ball through but Snodgrass is flagged offside.

  112. 10

    A long Martin ball forward is headed out by Evra for a Canaries throw in midfield. Norwich exchange passes, looking for a way past the United defence.

  113. 9

    Van Persie and Rooney attempt a one-two on the edge of the box but the Norwich defence regroup quickly to intervene.

  114. 8

    A Norwich throw in their own end is nodded on back to Carrick. Kagawa raises his hands in apology to Rooney after he can't latch onto a pass in midfield, allowing the ball to go out.

  115. 7

    Rooney is on the move through the middle and Van Persie picks out his fellow striker but Bunn comes out to grab the ball.

  116. 6

    Valencia looks for the run of Rooney down the right but Bassong is there to subdue the United striker.

  117. 6

    Smalling tries to slot through Valencia down the right channel but the flag goes up for offside. Bunn collects for a goal-kick.

  118. 5

    Relief for the Canaries as Snodgrass quickly gets himself back on the pitch. United win a throw on the left of the Norwich half, which Evra takes.

  119. 4

    Worrying for Norwich as Snodgrass appears to hurt himself nicking the ball from Kagawa down the left of the Canaries' half. It looks like the Japanese player accidentally clipped him on the way down.

  120. 4

    Johnson makes a great run from midfield and tries a cross in from the left, with three waiting in the box, but the chance goes begging as his ball fails to find its target.

  121. 3

    Carrick concedes possession in the Norwich half and Hoolahan pounces on the loose ball, firing a long diagonal effort up the pitch.

  122. 2

    Kagawa and Garrido have an early battle on the edge of the Norwich box and it goes out and straight back to Mark Bunn in goal.

  123. 1

    It's United that get things rolling this afternoon through Wayne Rooney and the hosts keep possession in the opening minute, trading passes in midfield.

  124. 14.58

    Fergie is signing a few quick autographs ahead of kick-off, while Norwich indulge in their ritual pre-match huddle.

  125. 14.57

    The teams are out at Old Trafford and it's almost time to get underway. Enjoy the first half guys and keep your feedback coming at half-time.

  126. 14.55

    The sun is shining in Manchester ahead of kick-off. There's also loud, proud and yellow support from the 2,442 Canaries fans present today.

  127. 14.48

    United have hit the woodwork 19 times this season, only Everton have done so as often, with Robin van Persie hitting it seven times, more than six Premier League sides in their entirety.

  128. 14.48

    A couple of stats for you before we get underway - The Red Devils are looking to win five league games in a row for the second time this season, no other side has managed it once.

  129. 14.45

    Refereeing the Old Trafford encounter this afternoon is Neil Swarbrick.

  130. 14.38

    Norwich, meanwhile, snatched a welcome success against Everton last weekend to end a nine-game winless run in the Premier League which has seen them slide into 12th place.

  131. 14.37

    United have the opportunity to stretch their 12-point lead at the top to 15 this afternoon, with rivals Manchester City not in action until Monday against Aston Villa. Ferguson's men have won their last four on the bounce heading into today's clash.

  132. 14.36

    The line circulating Twitter is that veteran defender Rio Ferdinand has flu but yet to hear United confirmation.

  133. 14.33

    United are likely to be out for revenge after their defeat at Carrow Road in November, when Anthony Pilkington's goal on the hour mark inspired a 1-0 win.

  134. 14.31

    Here's a quick line from our friends at Sky Bet: The odds are stacked against Norwich City completing a double over Manchester United. The Canaries (19/2) are one of only three teams to beat United in the league this term, but are seeking their first win at Old Trafford since 1989.

  135. 14.29

    Half an hour to go until kick-off then and there's still plenty of time for you to have your say. Email or drop me a Tweet @SkySportsRachG.

  136. 14.24

    Looking at the Canaries, Alex Tettey remains an absentee with a knee injury, while Kei Kamara starts on the bench despite his super sub heroics in the win over Everton.

  137. 14.23

    Rafael and Rio Ferdinand are other big names to sit out today's game, apparently rested for Tuesday's showdown at Old Trafford.

  138. 14.21

    Fergie will have one eye on that blockbuster clash but he's named a strong frontline against the Canaries, with Wayne Rooney returning alongside Robin van Persie after two weeks on the sidelines.

  139. 14.21

    Ryan Giggs is the notable absentee from the United squad as he is made to wait for his 1,000th career appearance - with the milestone likely to come against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

  140. 14.11

    Man Utd XI: De Gea, Smalling, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Anderson, Kagawa, Rooney, Van Persie. Subs: Lindegaard, Rafael, Hernandez, Nani, Young, Welbeck, Cleverley.

  141. 14.09

    Norwich XI: Bunn, R.Martin, Johnson, Bassong, Turner, Snodgrass, Howson, Holt (C), Pilkington, Hoolahan, Garrido. Subs: Camp, Whittaker, Fox, Kamara, E.Bennett, Becchio, R.Bennett.

  142. 14.09

    We've had the Norwich team confirmed so here you go...

  143. 14.06

    We have team news coming your way very shortly but first why not get in touch with your thoughts ahead of kick-off? You can email or Tweet me @SkySportsRachG.

  144. 14.05

    Good afternoon all and a very warm welcome to our live coverage of Manchester United v Norwich at Old Trafford.



Barclays Premier League

Barclays Premier League
Pos Team P Pts
1 Arsenal 0 0
2 Aston Villa 0 0
3 Burnley 0 0
4 Chelsea 0 0
5 Crystal Palace 0 0
6 Everton 0 0
7 Hull City 0 0
8 Leicester City 0 0
9 Liverpool 0 0
10 Manchester City 0 0
11 Manchester United 0 0
12 Newcastle United 0 0
13 Queens Park Rangers 0 0
14 Southampton 0 0
15 Stoke City 0 0
16 Sunderland 0 0
17 Swansea City 0 0
18 Tottenham Hotspur 0 0
19 West Bromwich Albion 0 0
20 West Ham United 0 0