Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney both started against Norwich City before the Dutchman was withdrawn just past the hour mark. Picture: Paul Chesterton / Focus Images
Norwich City boss Chris Hughton hails ‘world class’ Manchester United pair Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie
Monday, March 4, 2013
4:05 PM
Norwich City endured a painful taste of what might lie in wait for Real Madrid’s ‘Galacticos’ at Old Trafford later this week.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting line-up against the Canaries showed few discernible signs of preparing for a looming Champions League return with the Spanish giants in Manchester tomorrow.
Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney were both unleashed on Chris Hughton’s side from the start before the Dutchman was withdrawn just past the hour mark for highly-rated England international striker Danny Welbeck.
Rooney moved centre stage for the final 15 minutes as he conjured two assists to help Shinji Kagawa seal his hat-trick before a fantastic finish past Mark Bunn.
“Sometimes that is when those type of players come into their own. They are class players,” said Hughton. “We are up against probably two of the best strikers in the world right now in Rooney and van Persie. Even perhaps on a bad day they can produce bits of quality and they did.
“We just weren’t sure (about their starting line up). Probably van Persie is the one we felt he might have left out because he came off injured in the QPR game so he was the one, but if anything I suppose when I look at the pluses I can take it is the mark of respect – in terms of the team they put out and we can take some credit away from that.
“Sir Alex generally tends to get it right with which ever team he puts out and there always seems to be that hunger and that desire to get a result.”
Hughton saw nothing at Old Trafford to dissuade him from the view that Ferguson’s men will go on to lift a 20th league title, but the City boss would only predict a spectacular occasion when pressed on the outcome against Jose Mourinho’s superstars.
Ferguson’s side drew 1-1 in the Bernabeu last month and Hughton believes the world of football could be in for a treat with a place in the last eight at stake. “I think United offensively at their best are outstanding,” he said. “They have superb offensive players on both sides, but United’s options are the reasons why they have had such a good season and are going so well in these competitions. At this moment what you have got with them is a team playing well enough.
“Look at their recent run and they are winning games and winning them comfortably. You certainly do not see any other outcome in respect of them winning the league title.”
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7 comments
Oh yes, make that two idiot sons to hide away; Rob & Ged. The imbecility industy`s answer to Ant `n` Dec. Or Gedward.
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Mad Brewer
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Rooney is amazing particularly as his legs are only 18 inches long as confirmed in the above photograph. I wonder how he drives his car.
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waclor
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Ho, ho, ho Stephen! Totally agree. I'm always reminding my brother Rob about that result, it always winds him up! Although I doubt I'll be able to use it for much longer the way we are going! Are you any good at snooker Stephen? All the best pal, warmest regards - Ged.
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Ged Steroo
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Could have been worse Geddy, at least we didn't lose 9-0 at United, like some have in the past!! Joint worst result in Prem history
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stephen davis
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
This is Ar-chant`s weakness, Doc - too much low grade nepotism. You`d think they`d hide the idiot son away, like other royal families.
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Mad Brewer
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Don't be TOO upset. It may be frustrating being the boss's son but at least it's a job.
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DocOhNo
Monday, March 4, 2013
I know we are rubbish, but why does this fool constantly feel the need to tell us how great everyone else is? Mans a joke. We get it Whooton, we aren't as good as everyone else!! Stop ramming it down our throats. Warmest regards, Gedx
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Ged Steroo
Monday, March 4, 2013