Ruben Amorim was given a sharp reminder of the magnitude of his challenge at Manchester United when his lackluster team was held 1-1 by struggling Ipswich in his first game in command on Sunday. The former Sporting Lisbon manager, the latest man tasked with restoring the club to the top tier of English football, spoke on the importance of being “patient” before to kickoff. But he had just settled into his seat at a blustery Portman Road when Marcus Rashford converted Amad Diallo’s inviting cross, surprising the home crowd.
Ipswich, who began the day in the relegation zone, fought back and equalized with Omari Hutchinson shortly before halftime. Despite chances at both ends, neither side was able to win in the second period, leaving both managers disappointed.
United are currently 12th in the Premier League, six points behind fourth-place Arsenal, while Ipswich remain in the relegation zone. Amorim, who cut an animated figure on the touchline, accused his team of overthinking the game against Kieran McKenna’s men.
“I believe my players were thinking too much,” he told Sky Sports. “We lost some balls with no pressure. But they worked incredibly hard and desire this.” He continued, “This week, I spoke to the media more than I had in four years at Sporting.” I simply want to work with my players. “Nothing more.”
Great again
Before kickoff, two United fans held up a homemade placard that read: “Good luck, Ruben Amorim, make our team great again.” The Portuguese, who replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag, made three changes to the final line-up announced by United’s interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy before the international break.
And, as expected, he adjusted his formation to three at the back, with England’s Rashford playing as the lone central striker ahead of captain Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho. Within two minutes, United took the lead when Diallo sprinted down the right, evading the attentions of Leif Davis and Jens Cajuste to send in a cross that Rashford converted from close range.