Ruben Amorim will face his first test as Manchester United’s head coach on Sunday afternoon, as the Red Devils travel to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town.
Also Read: Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United Era Begins: Mourinho’s Advice and High Hopes
The Portuguese manager, who replaced Erik ten Hag after a turbulent spell for the club, will be eager to get his tenure off to a strong start. Ipswich, meanwhile, will be hoping to continue their surprising recovery after a crucial victory at Tottenham.
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A New Era at Manchester United
Amorim, who rose to prominence with a title-winning stint at Sporting Lisbon, takes over a Manchester United side that has struggled to find consistency this season.
Despite a promising 3-0 victory over Leicester City under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Red Devils are still languishing in 13th place in the Premier League, far from their usual lofty standards.
Amorim arrives with high expectations, given his success in Portugal and a recent Champions League demolition of Manchester City.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing for the new manager. United have struggled on the road, with just one away win so far this season, a 3-0 triumph over Southampton in September.
Their recent form away from Old Trafford has been disappointing, and Ipswich will be looking to capitalize on this vulnerability.
Ipswich’s Upset of Tottenham and Road to Recovery
Ipswich’s season has been a rollercoaster, but they made a statement with a surprising 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur, marking their first Premier League victory of the campaign.
That win lifted the Tractor Boys out of the relegation zone and into 17th place, but they are still the only Premier League team yet to win at home in the 2024-25 season.
Ipswich’s manager, Kieran McKenna, who had once been linked with the United job, faces a tough task as he takes on his former club.
Ipswich’s defense, led by former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe, will have their hands full with United’s potent attacking options, including the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Højlund, and Alejandro Garnacho.
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Manchester United’s Injury Concerns
Amorim will likely deploy a 3-4-3 formation, and although some key players are returning from injury, he faces a shortage in defense.
Harry Maguire (calf), Lisandro Martínez (back), and Victor Lindelöf (groin) are all doubts, while Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw could be kept on the sidelines for now.
Jonny Evans and Matthijs de Ligt should form the core of the defense, with Casemiro potentially stepping in as a center-back if the injury crisis deepens.
In midfield, new signing Manuel Ugarte is expected to start alongside Kobbie Mainoo, who has recovered from injury. Up front, the attacking trio of Fernandes, Højlund, and Garnacho will look to fire United to victory.
Ipswich’s Injury List
Ipswich has their own injury worries ahead of the match. Kalvin Phillips, on loan from Manchester City, is eligible to play but is struggling with a knock.
Nathan Broadhead, Wes Burns, Jacob Greaves, Jack Taylor, and Omari Hutchinson are all doubts, while Chiedozie Ogbene and George Hirst are confirmed absentees.
With Hirst out, Conor Chaplin is expected to partner Liam Delap in attack. Tuanzebe will also start against his former club at right-back.
Predicted Lineups
Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1):
Muric; Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Johnson, Hutchinson, Szmodics; Delap
Manchester United (3-4-3):
Onana; De Ligt, Casemiro, Evans; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Fernandes, Højlund, Garnacho
Prediction
While United’s away form has been shaky, Amorim’s first match in charge comes against a team that has struggled at home all season.
With a full-strength attacking unit and the new manager bounce, Manchester United are likely to have enough firepower to overcome Ipswich, despite their defensive challenges.
Prediction: Ipswich 1-3 Manchester United.
