Ruben Amorim took charge of his first-ever Manchester United game exactly a year ago today as the Red Devils took on Ipswich in the Premier League – and quite a bit has changed since then.
Erik ten Hag’s poor start to the 24/25 campaign ensured that fresh blood was brought in by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos in the Manchester United head coach role, with Ruben Amorim the man for the job.
The Portuguese manager, despite some very rocky patches, has survived an entire year at the helm of the Red Devils and sees his side take on Everton in a rare outing for Manchester United on a Monday night.
A lot has changed in those 365 days, however, and that includes the first-team squad for Manchester United. So just how did Amorim line up for his first game as boss?
How did Ruben Amorim line up in his first-ever Man United game?
Manchester United took on Ipswich Town at Portman Road in a 1-1 draw for Amorim’s first-ever fixture.
Marcus Rashford led the line and scored after just two minutes for the Red Devils, leaving United fans in dreamland.
But this came crashing down when an Omari Hutchinson strike levelled things, and that’s how the game concluded.
The squad itself was very interesting, and features just six players currently at the club (excluding loans of Rashford and Andre Onana). It was as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
- Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Jonny Evans, Diogo Dalot, Amad Diallo
- Midfielders: Christian Eriksen, Casemiro
- Forwards: Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford
This is the XI Ruben Amorim chose for his first ever Manchester United game as head coach
Who else was in the matchday squad?
Amorim used all five substitutes as Manchester United chased a winner, with Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount all entering the frame.
As for unused substitutes, Altay Bayindir, Kobbie Mainoo, Antony and Tyrell Malacia made up the remaining numbers.
- Substitutes: Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Altay Bayindir, Kobbie Mainoo, Antony, Tyrell Malacia
Overall, vast improvements in the current side, but still work to do for Amorim and Manchester United.
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