Hughton buoyant ahead of United test

Norwich City manager Chris Hughton says his side will go into Saturday’s match against Manchester United in a confident mood.

Norwich City manager Chris Hughton says his side will go into Saturday’s match against Manchester United in a confident mood.

Hughton’s side claimed a first victory in 10 Premier League games with a last-gasp 2-1 win over Everton last time out.

That, Hughton says, has put them on a high as they attempt to complete a Premier League double against the runaway leaders.

“Last Saturday was a big win for us against an excellent side,” the Irishman told Sky Sports.

“To go into a game at Old Trafford after defeat makes it a bit harder. There’s been a good feel in the camp this week.

“United have only lost one game at home this season, so the magnitude of the task is still there, but we are certainly better going into it for the result of last weekend.

“The win over United (1-0 on November 17) was one of our best performances this season. For us to repeat that at Old Trafford would take a huge effort but we’re ready.”

Hughton is expecting opposite number Sir Alex Ferguson to rotate his squad for the game with Tuesday’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid in mind but is under no illusions about facing a weak team.

“It is a massive game they have on Tuesday. I think it will affect the line-up but I don’t think it will affect the quality of the line-up,” the 54-year-old observed.

“Irrespective of the team they put out, we know it is going to be one of high quality.

“At this moment, they are the team who have the best-quality squad in the division, there is no doubt about that. There is nobody who manoeuvres his squad any better than Sir Alex.

“Any win at Old Trafford would have to see us play extremely well and for United to have one of their rare off-days but you have to go into every game hoping the work you have done can come right and you can get that result.

“There will be no fear from our players, we will want to go there and play. However, it is very difficult to go to Old Trafford with an open formation. If you are going to go there and take them on at what they do very well, then generally there is only one outcome.

“Ultimately, you want to get a result and a draw at Old Trafford is a very good result but it is also about a performance.”