Rúben Amorim’s debut as Manchester United’s head coach got off to an optimistic start but ended in frustration. The Portuguese tactician immediately implemented his trademark 3-4-3 formation, a system he successfully utilized at Sporting CP.
André Onana started between the sticks, while Jonny Evans, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui formed the defensive trio. Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo operated as wing-backs, with Christian Eriksen and Casemiro controlling the midfield. Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho were positioned in advanced roles, supporting Marcus Rashford as the central striker.
Rashford provided Amorim with a dream start, finishing off a brilliant cross from Amad Diallo, who had surged down the right flank. However, after taking the lead, United lost their grip on the game, with Ipswich Town beginning to dominate possession and create opportunities.
Manchester United struggled under Ipswich’s pressure, repeatedly losing the ball in critical areas. Omari Hutchinson and Liam Delap posed consistent threats for Ipswich, with Burns nearly equalizing in the 11th minute, only to be denied by Onana. Hutchinson forced another save from a free-kick in the 29th minute, while Delap’s best chance in the first half was thwarted by Onana’s strong right hand after being set up by Szmodics.
Ipswich’s persistence eventually paid off. Burns found Hutchinson, who drove forward and unleashed a stunning R2 shot from distance, leaving Onana with no chance.
Early in the second half, Garnacho had an opportunity to restore United’s lead but saw his shot saved by Arijanet Muric. Meanwhile, Delap continued to trouble United’s defense, with Burns delivering a cross for the 21-year-old, whose backheel attempt was parried brilliantly by Onana.
Amorim introduced Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the 68th minute, but neither striker managed to make a significant impact. Ipswich nearly stole all three points late in the game, but Conor Chaplin’s effort was straight at Onana.
Manchester United now sit 12th in the Premier League, with a balanced record of four wins, four draws, and four losses, alongside 13 goals scored and 13 conceded. Ipswich, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone on goal difference.

After the match, Amorim appealed to fans for patience, acknowledging the challenges ahead. “I know the fans are frustrated, but there is a lot to change. We are going to suffer for a long time… some of the players only had two days,” he admitted. “We will have problems, the players will be confused sometimes, but by this time next year, I promise you we won’t have the same struggles.”
He also highlighted decision-making as a key area to address. “Decision-making is a concern. You don’t need to coach them at this level, but we’re doing some things at the wrong moment, and that’s what we need to fix. The 3-4-3 is not the problem; it’s the understanding of the game that must improve.”
Amorim was critical of Zirkzee, urging him to be more proactive in the box. “At the end of the game, we are around the box with two strikers; Josh [Zirkzee] has to understand that he has to go into the box for the crosses,” he remarked.
However, he reserved praise for Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui, acknowledging their rapid adaptation. “Amad was very good. In three days, he improved so much defensively. He was so focused and did a very good job,” Amorim said. On Mazraoui, he added, “We don’t have too many center-backs, so we have to adapt some players. I thought Mazraoui did very well. He’s smart and so important for us. He can play anywhere, and that kind of player is crucial for our future.”

By Ibidunni Doyinsola