Danny Welbeck's second-half goal was enough for Manchester United to claim all three points from their trip to Norwich City this afternoon.

The striker came off the bench to win the match for the champions, who had struggled to create chances during the opening 45 minutes.

Below, Sports Mole has looked back over the contest to determine if the result was a fair one.

Match statistics:

Norwich:
Shots 15
On target 4
Possession 45%
Corners 8
Fouls 11

Man United:
Shots 7
On target 3
Possession 55%
Corners 3
Fouls 10

Was the result fair?

It may be a cliche, but football is all about taking your chances. That was proved to be correct today, as the statistics above show. Norwich created numerous opportunities, particularly during the first half, but they failed to convert any of them. The visitors made the most of what they were able to carve open and for that reason, you'd have to argue that they just about deserve to leave Carrow Road with all three points.

Norwich's performance

Chris Hughton is bound to be a frustrated manager this evening. He saw his side dominate the first half and even forge out some decent openings after the restart, and yet they couldn't find the back of the United net. In terms of creativity they cannot be criticised, but the lack of composure in front of goal is worrying. Hughton shouldn't escape criticism either, largely for one substitution that he made. With his side trailing 1-0, he took off one striker in Gary Hooper and replace him with another - Ricky van Wolfswinkel. The crowd wanted two centre-forwards on the pitch and voiced their displeasure in Hughton's direction.

Man United's performance

Let's get one thing straight, despite their recent form, it would be a major surprise if United went on to win the Premier League this season. Having said that, this was the performance of the champions, in that they claimed the spoils without playing particularly well. David Moyes's side struggled to create any real chance of note during the first half, but the introduction of Welbeck at the break swung the game United's way. The England international was lively and hauled his side into the ascendancy.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Danny Welbeck: He may only have played 45 minutes, but no player had a bigger impact than Welbeck on the match. His pace, desire and creativity added greater purpose to United during the second half and he went on to score the game's winning goal. In the absence of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, Welbeck proved his worth to Moyes.

Biggest gaffe

You've got to take your chances when you're on top in the Premier League - Norwich learnt that today. Perhaps the biggest offender was Wes Hoolahan, who saw the ball fall to him six yards from goal after David de Gea had parried out Russell Martin's initial shot. The Norwich midfielder couldn't arrange his feet in time, though, and only succeeded in poking an effort wide of the target.

Referee performance

Both sides received three cautions apiece, but it really wasn't that type of game. Phil Dowd has a reputation of liking to make headlines and he seemed to be on a mission at times today. Not his best afternoon's work, that's for sure.

What next?

Norwich: The Canaries begin 2014 with a trip to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace.

Man United: Meanwhile, on the same day, United will play host to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.