Norwich boss Farke backs Idah after Old Trafford debut
Updated / Saturday, 11 Jan 2020 20:46
Victor Lindelof (L) of Manchester United holds off Adam Idah
Norwich City boss Daniel Farke praised Republic of Ireland Under-21 Adam Idah after his full Premier League debut at Old Trafford ended in a 4-0 defeat.
Idah was thrown in at the deep end as injuries to Teemu Pukki and Josip Drmic left the Canaries short of attacking resources.
The Cork 18-year-old scored a brilliant hat-trick in the FA Cup at Preston last week but he ploughed a lone furrow on his own up top today as the hosts cantered to victory.
Idah was substituted on 65 minutes, though Farke was quick to acknowledge how tough it was for the rookie.
"It was difficult for him in front of 70,000 people to be there with his first appearance in a Premier League starting line-up," the German told the Norwich City website.
"Sometimes, you have to jump in the water.
"We got the feeling it was his chance because we have several injured strikers. Teemu Pukki and Josip Drmic will come back in the next days and it was a difficult situation.
"We backed him and he worked a lot. I was pleased with his workload and I didn't expect any miracles from him."
Defeat left Norwich five points adrift at the foot of the table having played a game more than the sides immediately above them.
Farke had no complaints about the result, insisting that it was not "season-defining".
"The better side won. We have to accept the loss.
"You could see they were desperate to give an answer after the last result. They put a lot of pressure on us.
"But it is important to be realistic. It was not a season-defining game for us. We were playing one of the greatest clubs in the world. It was not easy for us to win.
"When we are at our best level we are competitive, but you also have to accept there will be tough days."
Daniel Farke
Adam Idah