The spotlight at Portman Road this Sunday will be firmly placed upon the new head coach of Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, as he starts life in the Premier League against Ipswich Town. Appointed to replace Erik ten Hag, Amorim now comes up against Kieran McKenna—a former Manchester United staff member—in a juicy managerial encounter.
Here is a detailed preview of the match, including team news, possible lineups, and a prediction for this thrilling encounter.
Match Preview
A New Era for Manchester United
At just 39 years old, Ruben Amorim arrives at Old Trafford with a groaning résumé, including a title-winning tenure with Sporting Lisbon. His tenure starts with a raft of expectations given their stunning win, 4-1, over Manchester City in the Champions League earlier this season.
Amorim takes over from interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, who managed an unbeaten four-match streak. However, Manchester United still sit 13th in the Premier League table, struggling with away form, having won just once on the road this season—a 3-0 triumph against Southampton.
Ipswich Town’s Fight for Survival
Ipswich Town of former Manchester United assistant coach Kieran McKenna finally recorded their first Premier League win in 11 attempts, a 2-1 away win over Tottenham Hotspur. That victory lifted the Tractor Boys out of the relegation zone, although their position of 17th place is still precarious.
Still, Ipswich have not won a match at home this season. History is not on their side, too, as Manchester United have won their last four meetings, including the 3-0 victory in the 2015 EFL Cup.
Recent Form
Ipswich Town (Premier League): DLLLDW
Manchester United (Premier League): LDWLDW
Manchester United (All Competitions): DLWDWW
Team News
Manchester United Updates
Amorim can use his favourite 3-4-3, with Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw also a possibility after they took part in training this week, but that trio may be brought back cautiously because of fitness.
Injured: Harry Maguire (calf), Lisandro Martinez (back), Victor Lindelof (groin) – defensive changes may well be enforced. Casemiro can even play as a centre-back in company with Jonny Evans and Matthijs de Ligt.
Ipswich Town News
On-loan midfielder Kalvin Phillips is back from suspension but is doubtful with a knock. Nathan Broadhead, Wes Burns, Jacob Greaves, and Omari Hutchinson are touch-and-go, while George Hirst (knee) and Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles) are ruled out for sure.
Ex-Manchester United full-back Axel Tuanzebe should start at right-back, while Conor Chaplin may come into the team as Hutchinson may not pass a late fitness test.
Predicted Lineups
Ipswich Town:
Muric; Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Johnson, Hutchinson, Szmodics; Delap
Manchester United:
Onana; De Ligt, Casemiro, Evans; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Fernandes, Hojlund, Garnacho
Prediction
Final Score: Ipswich Town 1-2 Manchester United
But Ipswich Town’s home troubles may continue; Manchester United are far from capable of any emphatic wins with current problems in defense. Amorim’s tactical vision combined with the attacking flair of the Red Devils, spearheaded by Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund, should be enough to narrowly beat the opposition in his first game as manager.
