Rúben Amorim must start Manchester United duo vs Ipswich despite Alan Shearer’s “hopeless” claim

Rúben Amorim must start two Manchester United players against Ipswich despite Alan Shearer branding them “hopeless” in defence against Everton.

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

United’s last league fixture ended in a 2-2 draw at Everton, with second-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte rescuing a point after another sluggish start.

Slow openings have been a recurring issue, with United often finding themselves needing to respond after falling behind.

Having kept just two clean sheets in all competitions this season, defensive concerns persist. However, against an Ipswich side battling relegation, Amorim will be hoping for a more controlled performance and a stronger defensive display.

Shearer shocked at two United stars

Although United claimed a draw against Everton, many will agree that the side looked lacklustre in defence for the majority of the tie, with former Premier League striker singling out Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot for their lack of defensive acumen at Goodison Park.

“Watch Man United, watch this. I mean, this is pathetic,” Shearer said on Match of the Day while reviewing footage of the fixture in the first half.

“You’ve got players who are walking. There’s no point in going in ones and twos – look at the space Everton have got to play in. Look at [Jack] Harrison, look at [James] Garner.

“Both wanting the ball, both wanting to receive the ball. And if they get it, Dalot is eight yards off. Why aren’t you one yard off, and if they get it, putting a crunching tackle in?

“Everton’s second goal is the worst one of the lot. Watch this from Bruno Fernandes when [Abdoulaye] Doucoure gets the ball. Seriously, is that the best you can do?”

He concluded: “Take a touch, play in behind, and Everton get the goal which they really deserve. So the difference between the two teams and for 72 minutes, Man United were hopeless. I look at some of the players, and they’re really struggling.”

Both players must start vs Ipswich

Despite Shearer’s words, Amorim must ignore what was said and start both Fernandes and Dalot against Ipswich.

Read More: Rasmus Højlund’s stance on Manchester United future revealed as Leeds links emerge

Fernandes was awarded the Player of the Match award for his on-the-ball display against Everton, as he was very must the catalyst for United’s fight back to earn a point, including scoring a stunning free kick.

As for Dalot, there are almost no other options for the right wing-back position. There are rumours that Noussair Mazraoui has sustained a potential knee injury, meaning the club’s other full-back may be unavailable.

Amad is also out for the season, who would be another player who could contend with Dalot for the position. United are struggling with injuries, and Amorim cannot afford to drop either Portuguese international going into the fixture against Ipswich.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.