Opposition fan view: It’s tough for United, but don’t put all the blame on Ole

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Picture: PA (Image: PA Wire)

QThis fixture should have United win all over it - but it hasn't. Why is life so difficult for United?

ABecause while we might be a mess on the pitch at times, we're in much more of a muddle off it. Ed Woodward might be good for the bank balance and noodle partners, which is all the owners care about, but the club has lost its direction and where it matters most - out on the grass. Replacing Sir Alex Ferguson was always going to be pretty impossible, but losing David Gill at the same time from upstairs has caused equally devastating problems.

QStick or twist: is Ole the right man for the job - and can you afford yet another change anyway?

AMy heart will always say yes, but my head has never been convinced - even after that amazing run as caretaker. Regardless of my doubts, I'm adamant sacking Ole is not the answer. We can't keep chopping and changing managers. Solskjaer is our fifth permanent one since Sir Alex resigned in 2013 and someone, in this case him, needs time to build an identity, philosophy and squad that is entirely of their making. If we sack him we've got to start all over again and we'll just keep lurching from one crisis to another.

QDid you get hope from the draw at home to Liverpool, or was that papering over cracks?

AIt was certainly a step in the right direction. And it showed that Ole, tactically, is perhaps a little less inept than some are suggesting. Yet it's clear to see that it's not the big games that are our problem. We've got eight points from 12 against Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Leicester but only two points from 15 against Wolves, Crystal Palace, Southampton, West Ham and Newcastle. Positive results also don't mask the fact we're woefully short of quality and creativity in our squad - that desperately needs midfield and attacking reinforcements in January.

QWho would you consider United's biggest threat?

ADaniel James. He's only 21 and, as long as there doesn't become too much reliance on him, has all the tools to go on to become a United legend. Fast attacking wing play is synonymous with the club and he has all the raw attributes to fulfil that desire for a decade. He's fantastic down either flank, can play through the middle and despite being pretty inexperienced has end product. He's only going to get better too and given some of the dour football we've been served up over the past few seasons it's just nice for someone in a red shirt to get you out of your seat.

QAnd who are you most wary of in the Norwich team?

AA proper centre-back being declared fit and shackling our threat on the break! Away from that, Emi Buendia is absolutely class and has already shown against Man City that's he's more than capable of putting in a man-of-the-match display against one of the best sides in the world. Seeing as that's definitely not us, I suspect he'll definitely hurt us if he's at it.

QWill City stay up? ALet me just pick the splinters out for a second... I really don't know. I said yes at the start of the season but now I'm not so sure given the form of Aston Villa and Sheffield United. The point at Bournemouth should do wonders because City really have to improve away from home. But if they can keep picking up draws and wins at Carrow Road, in the main, they might just about do it. Once they've got bodies back then they've got every chance but it may well depend how much damage is done before then.

QUnited haven't won away from Old Trafford since last March, at Paris St Germain. Will that run end on Sunday?

AWhile I want to say no, I think it might. I know we've lost games in Norfolk in recent years but we've snuck a few undeserved wins so I'd take the same again. What's giving me hope is that under Ole, United have become a counter-attacking team. It's not really in Norwich's DNA, especially at home, to sit in and defend either so they'll come flying at us which should hopefully help open up space to break quickly. The Canaries aren't the greatest defensively, especially with the players they have out, so there's a decent chance we might do well which would save my phone going off all Sunday night from people I didn't realise supported the Yellows.

QAnd a score prediction for the game please?

AI wouldn't be surprised if it's 1-1, but let's go 2-1 United.