Huckerby tips Norwich upset

Former Manchester City striker Darren Huckerby believes Manchester United cannot afford to take any risks in the Premier League title race.

Defending champions United, who are two points behind league leaders City, face another of Huckerby’s former teams on Sunday when they travel to face promoted club Norwich City.

And the retired centre-forward believes his old club have every chance of upsetting the odds at Carrow Road.

“Norwich have got a chance of beating Manchester United, no doubt about it, but it all depends what team Man Utd play,” Huckerby told Goal.com.

“Gone are the days when Sir Alex Ferguson can put out a weakened team because they have to win every game now just to keep up with Manchester City who don’t look as though they will drop too many points over the course of the season.”

“I don’t think they (United) are as strong as they used to be.”

“Just a few years ago, when they had Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez and that calibre of player they could rest players, but that doesn’t look like a viable option, especially with City looking as though they can win most games.”

United won the reverse fixture 2-0 at Old Trafford in October, but Huckerby believes a reversal of fortune is a possibility thanks to the astute management of Norwich boss Paul Lambert.

“It will be a big ask for Norwich to beat them but the way Norwich are playing we have got every chance and it would be really special if Norwich can beat them,” he said.

“They have done so well because the manager almost always seems to get the best out of all the players.”

“For me, in Paul Lambert, Norwich have got the best up-and-coming manager in the Premier League.”

“In my eyes he will manage a top-four club because of the way he goes about his business.”