Back Liam Manning In January Or Sack Him, Former Star Tells Norwich City

Former Championship star Jobi McAnuff has warned that sacking Liam Manning will not be a cure-all for Norwich City’s struggles, insisting that the entire club must unite to address the ongoing issues.

The Canaries have endured a poor run of form recently. Their recent 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday, despite an expected goals (xG) advantage for the home side — who have been deducted 12 points following administration — did little to suggest a turnaround.

The result has intensified pressure on Manning, while questions have also arisen over sporting director Ben Knapper.

Former Championship player Sam Parkin urged the club to retain Manning, a sentiment McAnuff supports.

The 43-year-old stressed that accountability does not lie solely with the manager; ownership and the sporting director also share responsibility.

He believes the club should focus on working together and, when the January transfer window opens, provide Manning with the players he believes can help the team.

Speaking on the BBC, McAnuff said:

“The easiest thing to do is get rid of the manager. People think it is always the answer, but it isn’t.

There’s a lot more to Norwich — and to Southampton — than just the man on the touchline. The questions need to be asked not just to Liam Manning but above him — to Ben Knapper and the owner.

You all need to get on the same page and sort the situation out. Come January, if Liam Manning says, ‘one, two, three players are going to help us,’ you need to back him.”

McAnuff added that if the club is unwilling to fund Manning’s transfer requests in January, then the only alternative is to part ways immediately.

Currently, Norwich sit inside the Championship relegation zone after 14 games. If their poor form continues, hopes of pushing for the playoffs will quickly fade.