There is a temptation to level what might seem a fair criticism at Manchester United and their generally underwhelming performances this season but, in truth, the isolated idea that the side is too complacent in winning positions or in situations where they are expected to coast is a touch unfair and, simply put, a bit lazy.

- United will be wary of Grant Holt
- Holt will test renascent Jonny Evans
- Norwich's emergence has been impressive

They, the experts the so-called experts, say 40 points is all a team needs to ensure survival in the Premier League and Norwich City seem on course to do so — but if and when they do reach the target teams in their position naturally look to (having only been promoted from the Championship the season before), they will certainly not consider it job done/mission accomplished/any other non-irritating cliché you wish to offer.

The Europa League has always been the unfancied uncle of football who longs for marriage but never gets it. The uncle who changes his name — okay, so it might not be your typical uncle — for a "fresh start", or so he says (he used to be called the 'UEFA Cup', for those unsure of where I'm going with this).

The Europa League has always been the unfancied uncle of football who longs for marriage but never gets it. The uncle who changes his name — okay, so it might not be your typical uncle — for a "fresh start", or so he says (he used to be called the 'UEFA Cup', for those unsure of where I'm going with this).

All characters and events in this piece – even those based on real people – are entirely fictional. Obviously.

"Nelson Terry here for Sir Alex Ferguson." I said into the intercom outside Carrington training ground. A big, burly man comes out of the security hut.

All characters and events in this piece – even those based on real people – are entirely fictional. Obviously.

"Nelson Terry here for Sir Alex Ferguson." I said into the intercom outside Carrington training ground. A big, burly man comes out of the security hut.

Manchester United 2-2 Rotor Volgograd (Agg: 2-2 RV win on away goals)

It probably made sense that goalkeeper-turned-goalscorer Peter Schmeichel found the net in this one; simply put, everything about this game felt out of place. Back then, in 1995, there was no shame in being in the UEFA Cup — you'd qualify by finishing runners-up in the League.

Manchester United 2-2 Rotor Volgograd (Agg: 2-2 RV win on away goals)

It probably made sense that goalkeeper-turned-goalscorer Peter Schmeichel found the net in this one; simply put, everything about this game felt out of place. Back then, in 1995, there was no shame in being in the UEFA Cup — you'd qualify by finishing runners-up in the League.

It appeared to us an act of desperation – the very last resort, Plan B (or, more appropriately, Plan Z), or any well-worn cliché – and it, well, was. For Manchester United, bringing back Paul Scholes seemed a step back. Truth is, it's gone better than we'd envisaged back then, ever since it was revealed ahead of the FA Cup 3rd round tie against Manchester City back in January.

It appeared to us an act of desperation – the very last resort, Plan B (or, more appropriately, Plan Z), or any well-worn cliché – and it, well, was. For Manchester United, bringing back Paul Scholes seemed a step back. Truth is, it's gone better than we'd envisaged back then, ever since it was revealed ahead of the FA Cup 3rd round tie against Manchester City back in January.

"Who can follow a man like you as manager of United?" asked a journalist looking for a sound bite that he could relay across England. "Oh I don't know about that," replied Sir Matt Busby in a thick Scottish accent with a proud smile across his face.

The year was 1969.

It's understandable why it's forgotten even amongst the staunchest Manchester United supporters.

"Who can follow a man like you as manager of United?" asked a journalist looking for a sound bite that he could relay across England. "Oh I don't know about that," replied Sir Matt Busby in a thick Scottish accent with a proud smile across his face.

The year was 1969.

It's understandable why it's forgotten even amongst the staunchest Manchester United supporters.