IPSWICH (United Kingdom): Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of Manchester United ended in a 1-1 draw against struggling Ipswich at Portman Road on Sunday. The result highlighted the challenge facing the Portuguese manager, who replaced Erik ten Hag last week.
United took the lead in the second minute when Amad Diallo’s cross found Marcus Rashford, who calmly finished to put the visitors ahead. However, Ipswich, bottom of the Premier League, responded just before half-time. Omari Hutchinson’s powerful shot deflected off Noussair Mazraoui and beat goalkeeper Andre Onana to level the score.
Despite chances for both sides in the second half, neither team could find a winner. United, in 12th place, struggled for creativity and finishing against an Ipswich side with just one league win this season. Amorim admitted his players were “over-thinking” at times, leading to unnecessary mistakes.
Before the match, United fans showed their support for Amorim with a sign reading: “Good luck Ruben Amorim, Make our team great again.” Amorim made several changes to the starting lineup, including switching to a back three and deploying Rashford as a central striker.
United had further chances through Garnacho and Fernandes, while Ipswich’s Conor Chaplin tested Onana. Despite substitutions, including Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, United failed to break the deadlock. The draw leaves them six points behind the top four, with plenty of work ahead for the 39-year-old manager. – AFP
