The excitement that had built up around the game before it began was never going to be matched on the pitch as Manchester United drew 1-1 away at Ipswich.
Ruben Amorim, hamstrung by defensive injuries and trying to establish a new system, faced an uphill battle against a resurgent Ipswich Town.
A dream start gave way to old habits returning and by the full-time whistle, United were perhaps lucky to come away with one point.
Still, a building block in terms of identity was the demand of the day since it would be foolish to ask for a complete performance from this team in Amorim’s first game.
That was there but more importantly, Amorim proved he is the right guy to lead the club with what he did after the full-time whistle.
Ruben Amorim after full-time whistle vs Ipswich
So much was the attention on Amorim in this game that he might as well have one camera fixed on him to record his every movement.
The Portuguese remained calm and balanced through highs and lows throughout the game, with his passion trickling through at times but generally he remained collected.
After the final whistle had gone, he went on the pitch to greet all the players, his and opposition, as is the general trend but what he did after caught the eye.
He has previously talked about building a mentality and culture at the club and his effort toward doing the same was clear afterward.
He recalled players who were leaving the pitch, waited for every staff member to arrive and join him, then went to the away end to clap the supporters for their support.
Despite it not being the perfect start with a win, it spoke a lot about Amorim’s dedication to creating a “one club” mentality and bringing the players closer to the fans at a club where it has been divided too often.
Ruben Amorim’s tactics vs Ipswich showed building blocks
While his actions after the whistle show the impact he seeks to make off the pitch which should hopefully translate to on the pitch, the real difference will be made on it.
The performance vs Ipswich wasn’t perfect by any means. In fact, Amorim will be left with more questions than answers after that display.
However, Amorim promised before the game that fans would see an idea and the building blocks of an identity which was clear to see.
United’s buildup play looked far improved despite missing so many players, especially their play on the ground since those “Hollywood balls” that ceded possession needlessly were decreased by a lot.
The wingbacks got into promising positions and Amad put in a sterling performance as one which will be of huge encouragement to the manager.
United’s game on transition looked more choreographed than “hit forward and hope our player outpaces theirs” which the fans had become all too familiar with.
Ultimately, there will be disappointment over the lack of three points but a long-term project can’t be judged after the first game.
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