Manchester United are in relaxed mood as they prepare for this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final showdown at Norwich.
United are setting Premier League affairs aside for a week on the back of their 3-0 win over Sheffield United.
Anthony Martial’s Old Trafford hat-trick handed Ole Gunnar Solskaer’s men their first post-lockdown three points, to keep them firmly in the battle for Champions League spots.
Now they turn their attention to Carrow Road, and their meeting with Daniel Farke’s relegation favourites.
The Canaries have suffered back-to-back home losses since their return to action.
Thus, United head to East Anglia as heavy favourites to book a semi-final place.
Speaking on Match of the Day on Wednesday night, Alan Shearer made an interesting point on United’s win and a key part of what he enjoyed seeing from Solskjaer’s side: the number of players committing to attacks.
“There are definitely big improvements, particularly going forward in the number of players they were committing.
“At times, they had five or six players... when the team (Sheffield United) presses that high it’s what United want because they have the pace to hurt you.
“They’re certainly playing with confidence and they look fresh.”
That’s a sign of a side playing with confidence in themselves, their ability to control a game and not be countered on, and crucially enjoying their football.
Certainly, the new-look midfield partnership of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes helps, and their burgeoning relationship is exciting.
But so too did the passing ability and positioning of Nemanja Matic, who was largely excellent.
It'll be interesting to see whether that triumvirate gets the nod in midfield, or if either Scott McTominay or Fred return; if he does, the Brazilian will hope to have more success than he did against Diogo Dalot when playing Teqball on Thursday.
Many of United's subs on Wednesday enjoyed the relaxed session, playing various ball games at Carrington.
Those stars who started against the Blades underwent light, cool-down sessions as they bid to stay fit and keep injuries at bay during what is a very busy period for the Red Devils.
Claim victory on Saturday, and it will get even busier.
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