Ipswich ace makes two comments about Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United which spark concern

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New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is trying to implement his new way of playing.

Ruben Amorim has lots to assess after the club’s first game under his management. United drew 1-1 away at Ipswich, a disappointing result considering his side led after just two minutes.

It was at least a reality check for Amorim, his coaching staff and supporters, who will now begin building to the Europa League tie with Bodo/Glimt.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
11	BrentfordBrentford	12	5	2	5	22	22	0	17
12	Man UtdManchester United	12	4	4	4	13	13	0	16
13	B’mouthBournemouth	12	4	3	5	16	17	-1	15

Problems Ruben Amorim must solve

Goalscoring has been a problem for Manchester United all season in the Premier League, scoring only 13 goals in 13 games.

Marcus Rashford netted early for United, but this was the only shot he managed before being substituted on 68 minutes.

United only had four shots on target during the game, a disappointing total against a relegation threatened side.

Speaking after the game, Ipswich defender Dara O’Shea told the Ipswich Star that the team rarely felt threatened in the second half despite United’s possession.

He said: “I thought it was quite comfortable in the second half, albeit there was a bit of pressure. I didn’t think they had any clear-cut chances that we were surprised by.”

United’s shooting was erratic, symbolised by Joshua Zirkzee’s wild effort which sailed high over the bar late in the game.

McKenna had Ipswich prepared

Even when Manchester United’s line-up was announced, everybody was guessing just how Ruben Amorim would set up his side.

O’Shea admitted Ipswich were aware of the unpredictability of the situation, but also said that their manager Kieran McKenna had them ready.

He explained: “We didn’t know what they were going to be like today. Obviously they played a different way to how they have played previously with their new manager, but the gaffer did really well this week.

“He got our tactics spot on and almost knew what they were going to do in a way.”

The unpredictability factor really could have helped United, but they came up against a savvy manager who knows the players strengths and weaknesses very well.

While Amorim may not be concerned that Ipswich knew what was coming, United fans are right to be a little worried that his plans were stopped so easily.

That’s not on him – but it is on the players, many of who are just the wrong fits for his style of play and need to be moved on, starting with the ageing midfield of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.

United won’t be throwing money around trying to solve this in January. Amorim must get a tune out of the players he has at his disposal – and that won’t be straightforward, perhaps an impossible task.