The Ruben Amorim era at Manchester United is off to an anti-climactic start as they drew against Ipswich Town 1-1 at Portman Road Stadium.
The start was straight out of a fairytale as Amad skipped past multiple Ipswich players to cross for Marcus Rashford which he scored to put United in the lead in less than two minutes.
However, United looked like they had become too comfortable and despite some moments of nice play, especially in transition, Ipswich dominated territory.
Buoyed by the raucous home support, they made their dominance count despite Andre Onana’s best efforts when Omari Hutchinson bent one in to send his team level at half-time and leave Amorim with a lot to think about.
Whatever he thought about worked because United came out for the second half in a much better rhythm but had no end product.
Ipswich continued to pose a threat of their own and Onana was called upon again to make a crucial save but the two looked like they’d cancel each other out.
That is exactly what happened as the game petered out to a 1-1 draw with neither team looking like they deserved to win but both feeling like they should have.
Here’s how the players rated:
Andre Onana – 8.5
Continued his form under previous managers and Amorim will be grateful for it. Couldn’t do much about the goal but did much more than expected with a brilliant save from Delap’s shot and matched it in the second half.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
The ball deflected off him for Ipswich’s goal but generally a calm presence in a game that became too hectic at times.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6.5
Delap probably had a bit too much joy for his liking which he wouldn’t be happy about. Learning a new role in a new team alongside new teammates.
Jonny Evans – 4
Struggled to get to grips with the pace of the game and was often a second late to many tackles and interceptions. Not his finest hour.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Fluffed a good chance from Casemiro’s brilliant pass from his own half. Better than in recent weeks but still short of his usual levels.
Amad – 8
Created the opener through single-minded trickery and effort from an unfamiliar position. As Ipswich grew into the game, he was tested defensively and he wasn’t always up to the mark. Overall, provided hope for the future that he’s a genuine option for multiple positions.
Casemiro – 5
Played some nice passes from deep but was left wanting defensively a bit. Subbed off after less than 60 minutes.
Christian Eriksen – 6
Not the ideal circumstances for him as Ipswich made it end-to-end where he couldn’t dictate the game and struggled to match the pace.
Bruno Fernandes – 6.5
Struggled to reach his recent levels outside of a dangerous pass to Garnacho in the box in the first half. More controlled in possession and looked better in a deeper position.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5
Made some nice runs and took nice positions away from his usual left-wing inside-forward schtick. Needs to learn his new position.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Scored the first goal of Amorim era with a clinical finish and stretched Ipswich on the break afterward. Came off as the manager shuffled his pack.
Substitutes
Luke Shaw – 6
Looked rusty as he played for United after nine months but also showed the value he brings to the side with his passing and carrying.
Manuel Ugarte– 6.5
Brought energy to the midfield to match Ipswich and was a clear upgrade. He’s arrived and Amorim will only make him better.
Rasmus Hojlund – 6
Tried to combine with his teammates a bit more. The new system should get him more involved with time.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6.5
Showed some nice touches in the buildup and played with some confidence that looked absent recently.
Mason Mount – 6
Came on with just five minutes to go.
Manager
Ruben Amorim – 7
There were clear signs of what United were trying to do, which is all the fans asked for prior to the start. At the same time, the sobering reality was also clear about how far this team is from being “his”. The result could have been better, the performance had clear room for improvement, but the first building blocks were there.
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