Norwich City fans are pondering what could have been amid Liam Manning speculation

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Things are not going to plan for Norwich City and Liam Manning right now. So much so, in fact, that fans are even debating what life could have been like if Johannes Hoff Thorup had stuck around.

When he was sacked by Norwich City back in April, many were shocked by the seemingly swift and sudden departure.

Johannes Hoff Thorup said Norwich chiefs didn’t communicate with him effectively. Apparently, the goal was never to achieve a play-off finish, until it suddenly became essential.

Liam Manning was eventually installed as Thorup’s replacement. There were high hopes for this new era at Carrow Road, too, especially after his success at Bristol City. But, early signs are not positive for Manning.

• READ MORE: Norwich City players’ reactions to Johannes Hoff Thorup sacking speak volumes about how they really feel

Norwich City supporters are thinking about Johannes Hoff Thorup again

With three defeats already this season — including a poor showing at home to Wrexham on Saturday — Norwich fans are starting to get impatient.

Bristol City fans insist they saw Manning’s quick decline coming. However you look at it, something has to change quickly. If not, Norwich will be searching for a new manager yet again.

Over on Reddit, Norwich fans are reflecting on Thorup’s reign and wondering if he’d be doing any better than Manning.

The original poster wrote: “If in the alternate universe where Hoffball was allowed to continue, a few more of his signings over the summer would it all now be coming good? Or would we be in a similar position as we are under Manning.

“It’s a pointless hypothetical, but as Thorup’s season used up all the project talk and patience, was it a mistake to change? At least his style of football had a clear identity to cling to, which is non-existent under Manning.”

Among the replies, one fan said: “Before the players downed tools and around the first half of his tenure we looked sensational in some games. Players let him down.” A video that emerged after Thorup’s departure spoke volumes about the players at the club and their attitude, so this is a very valid point.

Another added: “The summer window would’ve been a significant change for him in replacing the players who weren’t fully on board. I think we’d be in a better place in regards to playing style and carving out an identity.”

Others pointed to the summer signings Norwich made and how effective they could be, writing: “We would be leaking just as many goals, but we wouldn’t be nearly as anaemic in attack. Players like Topic, Diallo and Kvistgaarden would probably flourish under JHT’s style.”

Comparing Manning and Thorup, another Canaries supporter said: “Because JHT’s style of play was good when it worked, it gave us more hope you’d just go on a incredible run, playing amazing football. Manning seems to rely more on individual moments to create chances.”

• READ MORE: Phil Parkinson hails Championship’s ‘best striker’ after Wrexham beat Norwich City

Sacking Liam Manning would be a mistake

So, the golden question is, should Norwich part ways with Liam Manning? At this juncture, it would be incredibly premature to give up on the project.

There are deep-rooted issues at Norwich City that go beyond Liam Manning. But, the club does have a pragmatic and smart young manager who has proven he can succeed.

Football is so short on patience right now, and it would be disappointing to see Manning go so soon. Surely persevering for at least another month or two is worth the risk. Does a new manager not at least deserve some time to get his squad and his ideas in place before everyone gives up on them?

Ironically, Thorup said Norwich fans were key to his own sacking. Now, they could push another manager out of the door and spark yet another rebuild. Whether that’s a good thing or not is another matter, though.

Norwich need to seriously sort out their identity, from top to bottom. Ben Knapper was branded a hypocrite for getting rid of Thorup. Sacrificing another manager would only add further fuel to that fire.