Turn back the clocks to January 21, 1990 and relive Norwich City's home game against Manchester United with these old photos from our archive.

When Alex Ferguson's Red Devils arrived at Carrow Road they hoped to break a spell of four league defeats in a row against the Canaries.

Norwich Evening News: Taking a tumble in the box when Norwich City hosted Manchester United on January 21, 1990. Taking a tumble in the box when Norwich City hosted Manchester United on January 21, 1990. (Image: Newsquest)

Norwich Evening News: A crunching slide tackle during NCFC v Manchester United on January 21, 1990. A crunching slide tackle during NCFC v Manchester United on January 21, 1990. (Image: Newsquest)

The Old Trafford club failed.

A brace from leading scorer Robert Fleck after 70 and 85 minutes settled the one-sided affair and left United fourth from the bottom of Division One without a win in ten league games.  

Norwich Evening News: City in possession when they played at Carrow Road against Manchester United on January 21, 1990.City in possession when they played at Carrow Road against Manchester United on January 21, 1990. (Image: Newsquest)

Norwich Evening News: Battling for the upper hand during NCFC v Manchester United on January 21, 1990. Battling for the upper hand during NCFC v Manchester United on January 21, 1990. (Image: Newsquest)

And the tally could have been much higher: Rosario clattered the post with a volley, Fleck rattled the bar, there was a goalline clearance and the United goalkeeper made two impressive saves. 

Our reporter at the time concluded that Ferguson's big-money buys had struggled to make an impact but any disappointment did not stop the United manager from accepting the defeat with a "cheerful, charitable demeanour." 

Norwich Evening News: Jubilant celebrations after Robert Fleck scored when Norwich City faced Manchester United on January 21, 1990. Jubilant celebrations after Robert Fleck scored when Norwich City faced Manchester United on January 21, 1990. (Image: Newsquest)

Norwich Evening News: Jubilant celebrations after Robert Fleck scored when Norwich City faced Manchester United on January 21, 1990. Jubilant celebrations after Robert Fleck scored when Norwich City faced Manchester United on January 21, 1990. (Image: Newsquest)

Did you see this game at Carrow Road on January 21, 1990? What are your memories of the match? 

Let us know in the comments below.

Match facts

Attendance: 17,370

Lineup:

  • Gunn
  • Culverhouse
  • Bowen
  • Butterworth
  • Linighan
  • Townsend
  • Gordon
  • Fleck
  • Rosario
  • Crook
  • Phillips

Final score: Norwich City 2 - Manchester United 0

Norwich Evening News: A glimpse of play when Norwich City beat Manchester United 2-0 on January 21, 1990. A glimpse of play when Norwich City beat Manchester United 2-0 on January 21, 1990. (Image: Newsquest)

Norwich Evening News: Dale Gordon in possession when Norwich City beat Manchester United 2-0 on January 21, 1990. Dale Gordon in possession when Norwich City beat Manchester United 2-0 on January 21, 1990. (Image: Newsquest)