Match Coverage
Ipswich Town 1-1 Manchester United: Five things noticed including Rúben Amorim’s first big issue
Five things noticed as Manchester United drew 1-1 with Ipswich Town during Rúben Amorim’s first game as the new head coach.
Rúben Amorim chose to start Amad Diallo in his inaugural Manchester United XI as they faced Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
The tie got off to a perfect start, with Marcus Rashford perfectly finishing a fantastic cross from Amad within two minutes. Ipswich grew into the game as time went on, with United also looking to create chances, and André Onana made a fantastic save to deny Rory Delap.
Read More: Player Ratings – Ipswich Town vs Manchester United (Premier League)
Just before half-time, Omari Hutchinson broke through United’s wall, scoring a goal via a slight deflection off Noussair Mazraoui, and the sides went into the break level. The second half saw both teams slinging to take the lead, with Onana denying Delap again early on.
Amorim made changes: Luke Shaw and Manuel Ugarte replaced Jonny Evans and Casemiro after 55 minutes, and Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee came on for Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford around ten minutes after that.
However, as the tie dragged on, neither team could find an equaliser, with Mason Mount replacing Alejandro Garnacho with five minutes of regulation time to play.
#1 – Amorim’s new style
The first obvious point regarding the game was Amorim’s style of play. The team started with three defenders at the back, while Amad was on the right and Diogo Dalot was on the left.
Within moments, the blueprint was apparent. United had their centre-backs wide when Onana had the ball, stretching Ipswich, with Amad running the field length before finding Rashford for the opener.
Even with the changes, Amorim kept the shape in the second half, as he wants his players to spend as much time as possible in the new system as he implements it.
#2 – Coaching during games
Rúben Amorim mentioned earlier this week that, due to the little time he has in training with the players, he will have to keep coaching them during the fixtures, and this was evident against Ipswich.
Using Garnacho as an example, the new head coach consistently talked to the youngster, advising him on where to be, how to play, and what to do in the system Amorim is keen to play out at the club.
As the tie progressed, Amorim continued to instruct multiple players on where they should look to play, often seen calling some over to his touchline during breaks in play.
#3 – The defence will improve
United’s defence looked a little on edge, but this may be expected, considering the makeshift backline. With Dalot on the right, Amad on the left, Mazroaui as a centre-back, and Jonny Evans starting, the team will improve once others are fit to start.
There seemed to be a little disconnect across the back line, but the unfamiliar positioning for a few players means this should be an issue that can be ironed out as familiarity comes with time.
It must be said that Onana was exceptional throughout the game and saved his defenders’ blessings with some truly spectacular saves. He was one man who wasted no time impressing his new boss.
#4 – Trialling out new players
During the second half, Amorim used all five substitutes to refresh his side with those he did not have much time to train due to their international commitments.
Zirkzee, Højlund, Ugarte, Shaw, and Mount all came on during the second half, allowing the 39-year-old to see more players from his squad in action as he calculates who should play where during his opening weeks as boss.
It’s expected that, come the tie against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday, there will be a fair amount of rotation, but there is plenty Amorim will be able to learn from the Sunday afternoon draw.
#5 – Scoring connection needs fixing
Fixing the scoring disconnect is the first big issue that Amorim must solve.
It has been well documented across Erik ten Hag’s reign that a big problem within his sides was the seeming disconnect between his attacking line, and there is undoubtedly a hangover in this department.
The new system will take time to become ingrained, and United has the talent to score, but Amorim must look to embed confidence and fluidity within his side as soon as possible.
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