Ipswich Town vs Manchester United: The Amorim Era Begins
A new chapter unfolds in the North-West as Ruben Amorim takes the reins at Manchester United, ushering in an era brimming with both excitement and anticipation. After the international break, optimism appears palpable within the squad, and all eyes are on Portman Road. Here is a preview of Ipswich Town vs Manchester United.
Ipswich Town will be hoping to build on their momentum created prior to the international break, when Kieran Mckenna’s men secured all three points following a 2-1 victory away to Tottenham. Mckenna, who is no stranger to the Old Trafford dugout, had been linked with replacing ten Hag following back-to-back promotions with the Tractor Boys.
Nonetheless, the interviews, training videos, and social media posts have created an ambience around this squad, with a sense of camaraderie evident amongst the group. Players smiling, laughing, joking—things that have not been accustomed to this United squad of late. Will Amorim steer us around this prolonged corner?
Amorim arrived at Carrington on Monday off the back of a thrilling 4-2 victory over his former club, Braga. Two added time goals for Sporting Lisbon sealed the game, done in Fergie time fashion, a fitting end to his time in Portugal. Stretford Enders will be hoping this is a sign of things to come.
Ipswich Town: The Tractor Boys Hoping to Harvest Momentum
Following their first victory of the season, Ipswich currently sit one place and one point above the relegation zone in 17th. Talisman Liam Delap, with six goals to his name, will be hoping to continue his goal-scoring streak, having featured in both England U21 games over the break against Spain and the Netherlands.
At just 21 years old, Delap has quickly become the heartbeat of the Ipswich’s attack, perfectly suited to his team’s fast-paced, direct style of play. His physicality, pace, and directness on the ball assist his teammates in progressing up the pitch into scoring zones. A revelation this season for Ipswich going forward; he has scored 50% of their goals this season. United’s likely three-man defence will be playing close to the former Manchester City man, preventing his direct runs.
Irishman Sammie Szmodics will also prove a threat to Andre Onana’s goal. The 29-year-old has primarily operated off the left wing, contributing three goals to Ipswich’s survival hopes. Szmodics also started both games for Ireland over the break, starring in a 1-0 victory over Finland before succumbing to the 5-0 thumping at the hands of England.
Kieran McKenna will not be the only familiar face for United fans on Sunday; former red Axel Tuanzebe will return from injury, where he is likely to regain his starting position. The Congo international played 19 times for the Red Devils first team, having spent nine years in the youth academy, winning the covered Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.
Chiedozie Ogbene will be out for the remainder of the season following an Achilles tear, so former Sunderland man Jack Clarke will likely feature on the wing. With only four goals scored at Portman Road this year, Ipswich Town will be looking to forward men Clarke and Omari Hutchinson to provide some creative flair to unlock the visitors defence.
Another former Manchester City man, Kalvin Phillips, is also a doubt for Sunday, while Jacob Greaves has returned to training and may be available for Sunday’s showdown
Manchester United: Ruben’s Reds Determined To Impress.
As Amorim enters the fray, he will be greeted by an array of cheers, chants, and jubilation as he becomes Manchester United’s 25th manager (not including caretakers). Expectations are high for the Portuguese, as is the case whenever there is a new manager at the top table. Training videos and interviews of the Benfica player have United fans vying for a fresh surge of energy in the club, spurred on by the fact the Manchester outfit now have a ‘head coach’ in charge rather than a manager. He quoted
“Work hard. Be professional. This is Man United. You cannot run from that.”
A pre-requisite demanded by every follower of Manchester United.
The main story circulating this week has been surrounding Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation and whether the tacticos vision and bold approach had been implemented at Carrington during the week. The latest is that United will line up in a 3-4-3, with Amorim keen to adapt his system to the Premier League, he said:
“Man United reached out to me because my style of play is clear. When you watch Sporting, you know what you will get. I will continue to do that. I will do my thing my way.”
With two number 10 positions up for grabs and Bruno Fernandes likely to get one, it leaves one No. 10 position up for grabs. Alejandra Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Mason Mount are all likely to be competing for this spot in the starting XI, assuming Rasmus Højlund will lead the line.
Ruud van Nistelrooy reinvigorated Casemiro into the midfield metronome we were accustomed to in his first season at Old Trafford. The Brazilian started all four games under the interim manager, receiving a standing ovation from a joyous Old Trafford against Leicester City.
Kobbie Mainoo, also pictured in training, will be eager to impress, with Manuel Ugarte displaying glimpses of his quality. Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and new signing Lenny Yoro were also graced the grass of Carrington during the week.
The left-back position has been a contentious one for United of late. The return of Tyrell Malacia will be greeted by his new manager, who could compete for that left wingback position, having featured for the u21’s.
Competition for places is beginning to heat up at Old Trafford; Amorim’s new tactics may indicate a new beginning in Manchester. But as a new era dawns, this premature positivity has occurred time and time again, coinciding with the change in management. Will Ruben’s Reds ascend the table and push for the top four?
Ipswich Town vs Manchester United Prediction
Ipswich Town 0-2 Manchester United
Ipswich Town, high on confidence following their victory in London, are likely to mount a challenge, propelled by the roar of Portman Road. United, adapting to new tactics, may not set the game alight initially. However, with United’s firepower up front, this is a team brimming with confidence, with players looking to impress their new manager and cement their starting position.
We could see a physical encounter unfold on Sunday; United’s strength and depth in midfield and attack, accumulated with the resilient Ipswich, could create an exhilarating match. United are likely to impose a high pressing game, leading to a combative battle. If Ipswich Town can aggressively interrupt United’s rhythm, victory could hinge on a moment of brilliance
Mckenna will have his men well versed on the strengths and weaknesses of the travelling team, but this game will be watched around the world as the Amorim era begins and I expect The Reds to seal the victory on Sunday
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