Ipswich vs Man Utd Preview: How Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd side might look at Portman Road

 

It’s perhaps fitting that this week saw temperatures plummet below zero in the UK, with snow falling up and down the country. That kind of cold can make the winds feel very crisp, very fresh; like a bucket of ice water dumped over your head. 

 

 

It’s a physical manifestation of how every Manchester United player will be feeling right now, as the appointment of Ruben Amorim is an attempt to shock the club into action. We’ve all watched them fumble their way through the opening quarter of the 2024/25 campaign. Perhaps Amorim - whose decorated spell in Portugal and smooth, suave nature has immediately changed the feel and narrative of the Red Devils - can be the ice bucket over the head these players need. 

 

There’s no doubt they would have preferred him to take charge of his maiden game at home to Leicester City, just ahead of the international break, but away to Ipswich Town - 17th in the division - isn’t a bad compromise. This is a fantastic opportunity for Amorim to get his system in place and going. 

 

Much debate has taken place this month over what that system may look like, but as we home in on the Premier League’s winter return, we do have some concrete evidence to work off: Training videos, released by the club to show Amorim’s first days at work, suggest the Portuguese’s patented 3-4-2-1 formation is coming to Manchester. 

 

With plenty of players away on international duty, the training squad back at Carrington has obviously featured some square pegs in round holes. For example, Antony has filled in at right-wing-back - a phenomenon we’re unlikely to see in a competitive match, although left-wing-back may not be out of the question at some point.  

 

 

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There’s also been some intriguing returns to fitness for Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro and Mason Mount. For all but Mainoo, this will feel impeccably timed, as it gets them ahead of those out and about representing their nations on what is a clean slate for all. It’s probably for the best that Yoro’s United career actually begins now that Erik ten Hag is gone. 

 

How many of them are fit to start is a big question. How ready the international returnees are to step back in is another. The answers to both will provide Amorim with his first Red Devils XI - and whatever its makeup, it has the potential to open some eyes. 

 

Marcus Rashford could well play up front, as the No. 9; it’s a position he doesn’t favour, but it might be the only way into the XI for him. He needs something to spark him back into life, as his shots per 90 rate this season (1.19) is the lowest of his career.  

 

Amad Diallo might well get the nod ahead of Alejandro Garnacho to partner Bruno Fernandes. The Argentine was the clear favourite in that duel under Ten Hag, comfortably outstripping him in terms of league minutes played (713 to 481), but Amorim has a history of using forwards of Amad’s profile - and has a history of playing someone like Garnacho as a wing-back. 

 

 

Casemiro, whose average WhoScored rating (6.82) is lowest of his entire career since becoming a regular starter, might be served a lifeline, as Manuel Ugarte is travelling back from afar and Mainoo hasn’t played since early October. As a holding pin, he’ll suffice. 

 

There’s absolutely no guarantee it all comes together at the first time of asking - and Ipswich will do all they can to play spoiler on an occasion upon which broadcasters may forget there’s more than one team playing at points - but what we witness from Manchester United on Sunday is going to be very different, one way or another. The feel around the club is already hugely improved, and an XI containing Yoro, Mainoo and perhaps even Rashford up front would give off exceptionally strong “new dawn” echoes.

Ipswich vs Man Utd Preview: How Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd side might look at Portman Road