Manchester United’s five things noticed vs Ipswich, one Rúben Amorim star is now completely irreplaceable

Manchester United’s five things noticed as one of Rúben Amorim’s men showed vs Ipswich how he has become completely irreplaceable at Old Trafford.

Rúben Amorim chose to move Bruno Fernandes back to a deeper midfield role as Manchester United welcomed Ipswich Town to Old Trafford in a Premier League encounter on Wednesday evening.

Despite Amorim saying before the game that he wants his team to start well, Ipswich found themselves a goal up within minutes as a breakdown in communication between Patrick Dorgu and André Onana left Jaden Philogene with an open goal to finish.

However, a fantastic cross from Fernandes after a free kick was turned into the visitor’s net by Sam Morsy, and United were level. Four minutes later, United had an onslaught on Ipswich’s goal after a corner, and De Ligt finished off to make it 2-1 to United.

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Just before half-time, Dorgu was sent off for a high challenge on Omari Hutchinson, and Ipswich were able to equalise just before the whistle went, leaving the tie at 2-2 with 45 minutes played.

In the second half, Amorim’s men struck almost immediately after a towering header from yet another Fernandes corner delivery handed the home side a lead inside two minutes.

What followed was significant work from United’s men to show bravery and character to get the result over the line. Despite being a man down for the whole half, the players were fantastic.

#1 – Fernandes is completely irreplaceable

After starting further forward against Everton before moving deeper in the second half, Fernandes started back alongside Manuel Ugarte in the centre of the park, and although he looked a little underwhelming in the first half, his set-piece deliveries caused chaos.

His free-kick cross for United’s first goal in the first half was brilliant, and he also delivered the deep corner that led to De Ligt’s strike to gain the lead.

In the second half, he was the man who delivered the ball for Maguire’s leaping header and was duly awarded the Player of the Match award once again for his second inspirational display in a row.

#2 – Amorim’s faith in Højlund continues

Ahead of the Ipswich tie, Højlund had not scored in his last 16 appearances for the club, but Amorim explained ahead of the game that he felt the striker’s failings were in part down to a lack of chances created for him.

Despite his significant goal drought, Amorim kept his faith in Højlund and started him once again, but as has been the story for the last three months, the Danish international failed to have too much of a mark on the game.

He was substituted at around 65 minutes with United looking to protect their lead as Joshua Zirkzee replaced him up front, who was brilliant for the Reds, which will only compound Højlund’s woes.

#3 – Onana’s error-prone ways are back

The first half for Onana will be one he wants to forget, but one United fans never will. Two poor moments in 45 minutes left the club sitting at 2-2 rather than 2-0 up, leaving United with a mountain to climb.

In the second half, Onana only had one save to make, which he made well, but once he was less involved, United became much better. It’s worrying.

Onana has been criticised in recent weeks for his shocking errors that have left United with too much work to do, and after this disgraceful display against Ipswich, there is a real chance Amorim could hand a Premier League debut to Altay Bayındır soon.

#4 – United need a reason to play well

As has been the story for United in the last few months, the side only really kicked into gear once they went a goal down, although this time the burst of energy kicked in during the first half, rather than in the final 20 minutes.

Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester United vs Ipswich Town (Premier League)

After Dorgu’s red card and Ipswich’s equaliser before half time, United came out in the second half with fire in their stomach, and considering the obvious deficit they were playing with, the playesr did well.

However, it is still very much an alarming fact that the players seem to need a reason to start playing well rather than just doing so from the first whistle. It feels as if this won’t be something that’s fixed until next season.

#5 – Who says these players don’t buy into Amorim?

In the last few weeks, there have been multiple reports stating that some United players have questioned whether Amorim’s system is right for them and if he is the right man to lead the club.

However, if that second half against Ipswich proved anything, it’s that these players are completely under his leadership and will fight for their manager despite the poor circumstances.

Behind against Everton, behind tonight, a man down for 60 minutes against Arsenal, and countless other examples have shown that, despite their poor performances at point, their commitment to Amorim cannot be questioned.

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