Manchester United beat Norwich City 1-0 in a closely contested Premier League match at Carrow Road.

The home side enjoyed their fair share of chances in the first half but were unable to capitalise, allowing second half substitute Danny Welbeck to win the game for David Moyes' club.

The main team news was the absence of Wayne Rooney, with the on-form United striker missing out due to a troublesome groin. Rafael and Antonio Valencia were also absent for the Champions after picking up an injury and suspension respectively midweek against Hull, though that blow was softened by the return of both Nemanja Vidic and Michael Carrick.

After a tempestuous start that saw both sides threaten, Norwich had the game's first major opportunity when Wesley Hoolahan couldn't quite reach the rebound after Russell Martin had forced the save from David De Gea.

From there on the Canaries - despite enduring less possession of the ball - dominated the chances column for the rest of the half, forcing a number of stops from De Gea before Hoolahan cut in promisingly from the left only to see his effort well blocked by Jonny Evans.

United - replacing Ryan Giggs with Welbeck - started the second half with renewed vigour, twice going close in the opening two minutes through Shinji Kagawa and Ashley Young. Norwich replied swiftly, with Nathan Redmond fizzing a fine effort inches wide of the upright.

The deadlock at Carrow Road was finally broken when Welbeck capitalised on a swift United break to round John Ruddy and slot into the empty net.

As they sought to get back into the match the Canaries brought on Ricky van Wolfswinkel and moments later the home side were denied a penalty appeal after Hoolahan went down in the area. From there on United saw the game off, maintaining their attempt to push into the Premier League's top four.