Onel Hernandez felt Tim Krul did not deserve to be on the losing side, after an inspired performance prevented Norwich City from falling to a heavier defeat to Manchester United.

The Canaries number one saved two penalties, denying both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, but the resurgent Red Devils still went on to win 3-1 at Carrow Road.

Krul was the first keeper to manage that feat in the Premier League for three years and also made further fine saves from England forward Rashford and France striker Martial - with half-time substitute Hernandez restoring some pride with a late consolation.

"Oh my God! I told him when I was in the cold bath afterwards 'man, I've never seen a goalkeeper holding two penalties in a game!'," said the fit-again Cuban winger.

"And I said, 'how could we lose this game? Normally we have to win'. it was incredible. I'm so proud of him, he is so good."

Krul had played a key part in earning a first clean sheet of the season as he returned from a side strain during the 0-0 draw at Bournemouth the previous week and whipped up the home faithful to create some hope on a difficult evening.

"That's Tim Krul and that's why we like him how he is," Hernandez added.

The Pink Un: Norwich City keeper Tim Krul had tests on his knee after suffering pain in the 3-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester United Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus ImagesNorwich City keeper Tim Krul had tests on his knee after suffering pain in the 3-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester United Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images (Image: Paul Chesterton)

"You feel it every time in a training session, everywhere, when he comes in he speaks a lot with the young players, with us, he is a very good character that we need in the team."

The defeat to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side left the Canaries second from bottom in the table with seven points from 10, two points above Watford, who travel to Carrow Road on Friday, November 9 - following City's game at Brighton on Saturday.

"It was a tough game, of course, that's normal against Manchester United because they have good players," Hernandez continued, following Sunday night's defeat. "I think the first 15 minutes we were good - but then we lost 3-1.

"It's not the Championship anymore, it's the Premier League, you play every week against top clubs.

"We have to stick together, we have to work hard and the next week we have to look at how we can do it better in the next game."