Manchester United could see unexpected change vs Ipswich as Rúben Amorim “losing patience” with star

Manchester United may see an unexpected change against Ipswich Town with Rúben Amorim’s staff “losing patience” with one club star.

Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United are still searching for their first Premier League win of the month and will look to end that run when they face Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.

United’s last league outing saw them draw 2-2 away at Everton, with second-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte salvaging a point after another slow start.

A lack of intensity in the early stages of matches has been a recurring issue, often leaving United needing to fight back from losing positions.

With just two clean sheets across all competitions this season, defensive frailties remain a concern. However, against an Ipswich side struggling in the relegation zone, Amorim will hope his team can take control and deliver a more assured display.

Staff becoming frustrated with Højlund

Against Everton last week, striker Rasmus Højlund played 70 minutes before being replaced by Academy starlet Chido Obi, with the former being pretty ineffective up front. United went on to score twice once he vacated the pitch.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Amorim and his coaches at Carrington are now starting to lose patience with the 22-year-old amid his goalscoring drought.

Højlund has not netted in his last 16 appearances for the club following a brace in the Europa League against FC Plzen, and has just two Premier League goals to his name this campaign.

However, the report does also state that sources at the club maintain that staff are continuing to encourage Højlund despite his lack of goals this season. Aside from Amad, who is injured until the end of the campaign, United’s entire front line have failed to bring consistent goals to the club.

United may see unexpected change vs Ipswich

With United’s staff reportedly becoming fed up with Højlund’s lack of goals, this may lead Amorim to make an unexpected change against Ipswich and play Joshua Zirkzee up front despite his good performances on the right.

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The Dutch international has picked up the mantle of playing as the right-sided attacking midfielder since Amad’s injury earlier this month, and he has been praised for his performances, which is why Zirkzee switching back to playing striker may be a move not many would have initially expected.

But should Højlund face being dropped for the upcoming Ipswich tie at Old Trafford, Zirkzee is the natural option to replace him up front. There is the option of handing Obi his first start for the club, but with Amorim keen to protect the young players, this feels too premature.

Should Zirkzee play as the striker, this would likely force Amorim to play Fernandes on the right despite his great performance as a deeper midfielder in the second half against Everton, and after Alejandro Garnacho was benched against Everton, he could return to the starting XI on the left.

This would then leave Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro as the midfield duo. Although the pair seemed overwhelmed against Everton at Goodison Park, United will be hoping to have more control of the game against Ipswich, which would allow the South American duo more time and composure on the ball.

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