Manchester United have had more of the ball but the best chances have arguably fell Norwich City's way in the opening 45 minutes at Carrow Road.

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In-form Robin van Persie almost gave United an early lead when he was afforded space 25 yards out and let fly, with John Ruddy palming the Dutchman's effort away.

Soon after, the Canaries had their first real opening when Wes Hoolahan set Anthony Pilkington away on the break. The winger hit his shot well but didn't trouble Anders Lindegaard.

It was an opening ten minutes full of incident and yet again Van Persie almost got on the scoresheet, blazing Ryan Giggs's quick free kick over.

Norwich's main creator was Hoolahan and the midfielder clipped a cross to Snodgrass on the 20-minute mark that was headed just wide by the number seven.

The hosts continued to have chances as left-back Javier Garrido fizzed a centre across goal that Grant Holt couldn't quite get on the end of.

As the half drew to a close it was again Holt who came close to getting the vital touch on a cross before up the other end, Ashley Young saw his low effort well-saved by Ruddy.