‘Let’s climb that mountain’ says Dean Smith ahead of Norwich’s Old Trafford test

Norwich head coach Dean Smith has challenged his players to prove everyone wrong and keep their slim survival hopes alive when they head to Manchester United.

The Canaries beat relegation rivals Burnley 2-0 at Carrow Road last weekend, but a first Premier League victory in 10 attempts was not enough to lift them off the bottom of the table.

Despite the uplift in mood within the camp, Norwich continue to face a tall order if they are to extend their stay in the top flight beyond one season.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford, the Norfolk club sit seven points adrift of safety while also having played a game more than both Burnley, who have sacked long-serving manager Sean Dyche, and Everton.

Smith, though, is determined to remained focussed on the job in hand – even if the odds appear stacked against them.

“I am a realist and I know how difficult it is going to be, there are no ‘gimmes’ in the Premier League,” the Norwich boss said.

“We are travelling to Old Trafford next, the Theatre of Dreams – and what a tough place to go.

“But we have got that renewed confidence from what four points in the last two games brings you.”

Smith told a press conference: “We are looking forward to the game. Let’s try to climb that mountain and do what people have already said is not doable.

“We just want to keep working hard, trying to perform well and trying to get better, develop and learn from our mistakes and reflect from each game.

“If you can do that, there is going to be progression and development, which is all you can want from your team.”

While Norwich battle for points at the bottom, United’s push for a return to the top four has stalled in recent weeks, culminating in a 1-0 defeat at strugglers Everton.

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