Harry Maguire scored deep into extra-time as Manchester United overcame valiant 10-person Norwich to get to the FA Cup semi-finals.
The England defender, who moments before experienced a header brilliantly saved by Tim Krul, reacted sharply to flip in the unfastened ball at the significantly put up.
The activity turned on the dismissal of substitute Timm Klose in the 89th moment. Norwich were being in the ascendancy following equalising and appeared favourites to snatch a late winner prior to the German was proven a straight red for pulling again Odion Ighalo.
The movie assistant referee checked Jon Moss’ selection and confirmed it in seconds.
Neither facet specially impressed in attack, although both equally goals in regular time were of large quality.
The initially was scored by Ighalo, who continued his excellent operate in cup competitions with a flicked effort and hard work with the exterior of his boot in the 51st minute.
The next objective was even superior. Todd Cantwell, Norwich’s best participant in attack at Carrow Road, permit fly from 25 yards with a minimal swerving shot that defeat the access of Sergio Romero.
Norwich will now concentrate on their significantly tricky task of beating the fall from the Premier League. As for United, this was a patchy show but they continue to be in rivalry in two cup competitions and for a top-4 place in the league.
Fortune shines on beneath-par United
A third semi-final in the previous 5 seasons, but perhaps this match more highlighted United’s will need to bolster the squad.
Solksjaer, bar a person alter, faithfully trapped to the XI that received United to this phase nevertheless the attacking exhibit they produced for considerably of the match was, at very best, tepid. Devoid of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford from the start, they lacked the speed and guile essential to get powering a Norwich defence that was perfectly safeguarded by the defensive midfield operate of Alex Tettey.
The stats read ‘no shots on target’ in the opening 45 minutes – 6 minutes right after the break that turned a person shot on goal and one objective. If Solskjaer did give a 2020 update of the ‘hairdryer treatment’ then it absolutely worked.
Remaining-again Luke Shaw, a single of these gamers underneath par in the opening interval, drove driving the Canaries backline and fired in a cross that was played by Juan Mata into the route of Ighalo, who generated a intelligent complete. That was the Nigerian bank loan signing’s fifth purpose in just five cup levels of competition matches for United.
But as an alternative of making on that benefit, United retreated into their shell all over again enabling Norwich to get again into the match.
Fortunately for the guests, the cup gods were being smiling down on them when Klose was sent off and, having a stronger bench to get in touch with on, it seemed inescapable United would break Norwich resistance.
Krul did his most effective to retain them at bay, conserving from Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford – a few of United’s 6 substitutes – right before remarkably clawing Maguire’s header off the line.
But with two minutes of additional-time remaining, United ultimately wore their opponents down when Maguire pounced to hooked property.
Cantwell’s shines in Norwich exit
Norwich, like United, built adjustments to their XI with Farke bringing back again 1st-team trio Emiliano Buendia, Teemu Pukki and Cantwell into the fold – the latter two who assisted Norwich make that brilliant start out to the season.
Finn Pukki, who has now not found the net in the previous nine matches, struggled all over again, but his 22-12 months-previous group-mate improved as the activity wore on. Cantwell’s aim in the 75th minute was a delight – slicing through the ball as his shot uncovered the base corner.
It was just reward for Norwich who managed participate in just after Ighalo’s intention. Nevertheless, when Klose was despatched off the Canaries knew extra time would be invested trying to see the match as a result of to penalties.
They virtually succeeded.
Much more to follow.
