28/02/2013 15:32 - ManUtd.com, Adam Marshall
Preview: United v Norwich
Form guide:*United's last Barclays Premier League defeat was way back in mid-November - against Norwich. The Reds' only home loss domestically was to Tottenham in September and the remarkable run has allowed Sir Alex's side to claim a 12-point lead at the top of the table. Norwich's form had been poor before last weekend's dramatic 2-1 win over Everton. A run of six games without a victory included a shock FA Cup exit at the hands of non-league Luton Town and the previous league triumph had been on 15 November (against Wigan).
Ins and outs:*There is widespread expectation that Sir Alex will shuffle his pack with Real Madrid on Tuesday in mind but it's highly unlikely he will field two separate sides. Wayne Rooney proved his fitness by coming on as a substitute at QPR but Robin van Persie picked up a painful knock to his hip at Loftus Road. Paul Scholes has been sidelined with a knee problem although the manager has an embarrassment of riches available. Kei Kamara could start after his matchwinning impact off the bench last Saturday while Andrew Surman and Alexander Tettey will hope to return from injury. Keeper John Ruddy remains out so Declan Rudd deputises.
Last meeting:*United's last defeat came at Carrow Road *on 17 November on a rare occasion when the Reds haven't fired this term. Anthony Pilkington's magnificent header on the hour-mark earned the Canaries the points and the closest Sir Alex's side came to a goal was through Sebastien Bassong, who forced a fine stop out of his own keeper John Ruddy in stoppage time.
Did you know? United's last home reverse to Norwich was back in 1989 when current assistant-manager Mike Phelan scored one of the goals and Andy Townsend hit the winner.
Opposition boss: Chris Hughton has forged a reputation as an excellent manager and the quietly-spoken boss can be pleased with his work at Carrow Road. The former Tottenham full-back was perhaps unfairly relieved of his duties at Newcastle before guiding Birmingham to the Championship play-offs. The 54-year-old won 53 caps for the Republic of Ireland in his playing days.
Star man: Sebastien Bassong has been a key figure in defence and has popped up with three goals in the Barclays Premier League this term. The shrewd signing from Spurs has plenty of pace and aggression and will look to keep the Reds' strikers at bay on Saturday and organise things at the heart of the back-four.
Quote/unquote:*"I was part of the Kansas City team that beat Manchester United [in a pre-season friendly in 2010] – they are the only team in America to have done that. I scored a headed goal and got an assist in a 2-1 win. So I may be a marked man against them now!" Kei Kamara, Norwich.
Sub-plots: Revenge is not a word Sir Alex likes to use but the defeat in East Anglia can provide all the motivation needed to get another victory and extend the lead at the top back to 15 points. Norwich made life more difficult last term than the 2-0 scoreline at Old Trafford suggests and, despite the Champions League tie against Real Madrid being a major distraction, there will be no room for any complacency.
Whistle-blower: Neil Swarbrick takes charge of a United fixture for the first time, although the 47-year-old from Preston did officiate the Under-21s' play-off final with Aston Villa at Old Trafford last season.
Rivals watch: Second-placed Manchester City are not in action until Monday night, when they travel to relegation-threatened Aston Villa. Tottenham and Arsenal contest a cracking North London derby on Sunday after Chelsea entertain West Brom on Saturday.