The Ruben Amorim era at Manchester United began with an all too familiar sense of frustration, as the Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Despite taking an early lead through Marcus Rashford, United faded badly and were lucky to escape with a point against Kieran McKenna’s impressive side.
Dream Start Turns Sour for Amorim
When Marcus Rashford fired United ahead after just 82 seconds, it seemed the stage was set for Amorim to enjoy a winning start in the Old Trafford hotseat. The Portuguese coach, lured from Sporting Lisbon to replace Erik ten Hag, set United up in his preferred 3-4-2-1 system with Rashford leading the line.
But rather than providing a platform to build on their early advantage, United’s unfamiliar shape contributed to a disjointed, sluggish performance as the first half wore on. With square pegs in round holes – midfielder Amad Diallo at right wing-back the most glaring example – United retreated into their shell, inviting pressure from the buoyant hosts.
Hutchinson Makes His Mark
Ipswich’s standout performer was 21-year-old attacking midfielder Omari Hutchinson. The Chelsea academy graduate, snapped up from West Ham in the summer, gave United’s makeshift back three a torrid time with his quick feet and intelligent movement.
It was Hutchinson who dragged Ipswich level on the stroke of halftime. Drifting into space on the right edge of the penalty area, he bamboozled Casemiro with a drop of the shoulder before curling a shot that flicked off Noussair Mazraoui and beyond Andre Onana into the far corner.
Omari was electric today – he’s going to be a huge player for us this season. The boy’s got so much ability and he’s playing with real confidence.
– Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town Manager
United Lack Cutting Edge
While United saw more of the ball in the second half, they struggled to create clear chances against Ipswich’s well-drilled defense. Rashford, starved of service, cut an increasingly isolated figure up front before being replaced by Rasmus Højlund on the hour mark.
Bruno Fernandes came closest to a winner, curling a 25-yard free kick inches wide with Arijanet Muric beaten. But a decisive moment of quality proved elusive for United, who had to settle for a point on a sobering afternoon.
Reasons for Optimism Despite Stalemate
For all the frustration of failing to see out victory, there were positives for Amorim and United to take from their opening day showing:
- A goal and lively display from Rashford, who looked sharp after missing the end of last season through injury.
- Solid debuts for summer signings Mazraoui, Ugarte and Højlund after coming off the bench.
- Flashes of Amorim’s tactical blueprint, with United building patiently through the thirds.
Amorim was phlegmatic in his post-match assessment, acknowledging the scale of the task in implementing his methods at United. The 38-year-old insisted progress was being made behind the scenes and backed his squad to click into gear over the coming weeks.
This will take time, everyone understands that. We saw some good things today but also areas we must improve. I have belief in these players and I’m excited to continue working with them. Step by step, we will get to where we want to be.
– Ruben Amorim, Manchester United Manager
Early Test Passed for Impressive Ipswich
While the focus was inevitably on Amorim and United, Ipswich emerged with enormous credit for the way they approached their return to the Premier League. Just three months on from winning the Championship playoffs, McKenna’s men looked at home in the top flight and more than merited their point.
In Hutchinson, they had the game’s outstanding individual. But this was a collectively impressive Ipswich display, brimming with intensity and attacking intent. Having won at Tottenham before the international break, the draw with United makes it an unbeaten start against two of last season’s top six.
On this evidence, Ipswich look well-equipped to make a strong impression back in the big time. For United, meanwhile, a tricky opening assignment provided an early reminder of the work that lies ahead for Amorim. Turning the fallen giants around was never likely to happen overnight.
