Norwich City vs. Manchester United: 5 Things Learned in Vital United Win

Manchester United are firmly back in the Premier League title race after a stunning late win over Norwich City.

Ryan Giggs' late winner added to Paul Scholes' early opening to cancel out Grant Holt's equaliser and catapult United to within two points of leaders Manchester City.

That famous winning mentality, coupled with the "it's-not-over-until-the-final-whistle" attitude, saw United claim another win, which, despite nervy moments in the second-half, was deserved.

Here are five things learned about the Red Devils in that win at Norwich.

Experience Counts for Manchester United

Against Ajax in the Europa League at Old Trafford, Manchester United fielded a rather inexperienced side and paid for it with an embarrassing 2-1 defeat.

At Norwich, Sir Alex Ferguson fielded five experienced players in his starting lineup: Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. The move paid off, as United didn't lack any pace or energy in midfield and had the experienced heads to control the tempo and play at the right rhythm.

They also had the experience to pick the right passes and make the right plays, which ultimately was the reason Scholes opened the scoring for United and Giggs won it for the team.

David De Gea Better Than What Critics Say

David De Gea has been largely derided for his performances this season, with many saying he's not up to Manchester United standard and that Anders Lindegaard should be No.1.

Whilst the debate over who should have the No.1 jersey is quite complex, De Gea has proven his ability for world-class shot-stopping time and time again, and he did it again today.

He showed great awareness to deny Anthony Pilkington in the first half and Aaron Wilbraham in the second period, and throughout the game, he commanded his area well with good catches and strong aerial ability.

If it wasn't for De Gea's saves, United could have easily lost this match and fallen out of the Premier League title race.

Nani Not Manchester United Material

If you hadn't seen Paul Scholes' opener for Manchester United, you wouldn't have thought the assist actually came from Nani.

The Portuguese winger was awful at Carrow Road, with poor touches, misplaced passes and lacklustre dribbles.

United need game-changers in their attacking lineup—Nani most certainly isn't that. When United are on form, he's on form, not the way other way round.

Had Antonio Valencia been fit and playing, the match could have been won a lot earlier for the Red Devils.

Phil Jones Best at Centre-Back

Phil Jones was largely ineffectual at right-back today for Manchester United. 

The former Blackburn Rovers star has had good games in the position in the past for United, especially against Bolton Wanderers this season. But against opposition who are decent on the wings, he fails to make a big impact.

Defensively, there's not much wrong in his full-back game, but going forward, he fails to have chemistry with his winger. Then again, he wasn't helped in today's match by Nani's greed.

Centre-back, Jones' natural position, where he has excelled at times this term, is definitely his best and most useful position.

Never Rule out Manchester United

Manchester United can never be ruled out in terms of winning a match, no matter how much time is left.

As the grand master Ryan Giggs proved again today, United will always find a way to score a late winner.

Norwich finished playing at 90 minutes, United finished at 95 minutes—the difference between winning and losing.

That never-say-die attitude will be crucial for the Red Devils in the title run-in, and it could be the difference between them and Manchester City in lifting the Premier League trophy.