Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United started the new era with a draw against Ipswich Town on Sunday evening.
After over three weeks of waiting, Ruben Amorim finally got the chance to take charge of his first Manchester United game on Sunday.
The Red Devils travelled to Suffolk to take on Ipswich Town.
However, United were held to a 1-1 draw by the home side. This was despite Marcus Rashford handing Amorim the best start imaginable, scoring inside two minutes.
United simply could not build on this excellent start though, with Ipswich equalising through Omari Hutchinson from long range.
Ipswich could quite easily have won this game too had it not been for the heroics of Andre Onana in goal. But there was a second player who was quietly in the running for our player of the match.
Noussair Mazraoui excels in new role for Manchester United
One of three players in an unfamiliar position for United on Sunday was Noussair Mazraoui with the Moroccan starting as a central defender. Playing on the right of the back three, Mazraoui looked like he had been a centre-back his whole career.
Mazraoui was heavily involved for United both on and off the ball.
But as the right-sided centre-back, Mazraoui was given the license to get on the ball and had some really nice passes which broke the lines, with his mobility a key factor in helping the team build out from the back.
Amorim was impressed with Mazraoui’s performance as he raved about the smart defender who he tips to be crucial.
Mazraoui stats at centre-back for Ruben Amorim
Mazraoui scored a seven out of 10 for his performance, ranking him as one of United’s very best players against Ipswich.
Playing the entire 90 minutes, Mazraoui was among the most involved players on the entire pitch as he made 127 touches in the game.
| Stat | # |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 105 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Touches | 127 |
| Successful dribbles | 2 |
| Tackles won | 2 |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Defensive actions | 8 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Duels won | 11 |
Such an immaculate performance will give Amorim a headache on whether to move Mazraoui from this position considering he looked natural.
Given the mobility that Amorim needs from his two wide centre-backs, Mazraoui could find himself preferred to the likes of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans.
The 27-year-old continues to be the one Erik ten Hag signing to be an undebatable success.
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