Adam Dennehey WAFU manager
Manchester United of course play Norwich City at home tomorrow, in the Premier League and with that in mind it’s worth taking a look at these three players who we should be wary of going into the game:
Leon Barnett
Arguably one of Norwich’s success stories of the season so far, defender Barnett has looked quite comfortable with life back in the Premier League and has shown that he could even if Norwich go down this year, is somebody who have a long-term future in the division.
In Norwich’s last league outing he showed he can be a dangerous player in both boxes as whilst he defended well against Sunderland he was also in the right place down the other end as he bagged the game’s first goal which set the hosts on the way for their second league win of the season.
This weekend though will be a huge test for Barnett to prove not only to his manager and critics but to himself that he can be a good top-flight player. He dealt with Fernando Torres and Didier Drobga well enough in Norwich’s 3-1 defeat to Chelsea but can he deal with Wayne Rooney though?
Grant Holt
Holt is an old-fashioned forward who has waited a long time to finally play in the Premier League. He will probably not be a prolific forward at this level, but what he makes up for in quality, he will make up for in commitment and work-ethic.
Already, this season he’s ruffled up a few defenders and impressed at Chelsea scoring in Norwich’s 3-1 defeat in August, where he led the line well and held up the ball bringing his quicker team-mates into play which is what his manager Paul Lambert would demand from him to do.
United’s defence have certainly come up against better talented forwards in the past, but Holt will certainly put his weight about, looking to pick up any loose scraps and win as many balls in the air as he can to bring others into play. He’s a heavier version of Kevin Davies in other words.
Wes Hoolahan
Not many talented players playing in England have to wait until the age of 29 unitl they get to play in the Premier League. Hoolahan has been talked about of being good enough in the top-flight for a 4-5 years now and should Norwich go down this could be his one and only chance to impress.
Irish midfielder Hoolahan has started the season well for Norwich and bagged an equaliser in their opening-day draw away to Roberto Martinez’s Wigan at the JJB Stadium to bag the Canaries a vital point. He offers his side guile and imagination in midfield which is so vital for promoted sides.
This weekend it’s unlikely that he will see much of the ball, so he will have to work hard tracking back to try and stop United’s energetic and quick midfield from wreaking havoc on the Canaries defence – which may prove too much for a creative player of his kind to do.
By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87
