Manchester United began a new chapter under Ruben Amorim with a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town in the Portuguese manager’s first game in charge. Despite Marcus Rashford’s early goal just 81 seconds into the match, United were unable to secure all three points, as Omari Hutchinson’s deflected strike earned the home side a well-deserved share of the spoils.
Amorim introduced a fresh tactical approach, switching United to a back-three formation and deploying Rashford as the central striker. The move paid immediate dividends as Rashford opened the scoring after a brilliant move down the right flank. Amad Diallo, operating as a right wing-back, burned past Leif Davis and Jens Cajust before delivering a low cross that Rashford tapped in with ease.
However, United failed to build on their explosive start and soon found themselves on the back foot. Ipswich grew into the game, creating the better chances in a first half where VAR was temporarily inactive due to a fire alarm at Stockley Park. The home side’s pressure nearly paid off as Andre Onana was called into action, making two superb saves to deny Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap in quick succession.
Ipswich’s persistence was rewarded shortly before halftime. Hutchinson’s curling shot took a heavy deflection off Noussair Mazraoui’s head, looping over Onana and into the top left corner to level the score. Amorim, visibly restless on the touchline, offered little reaction to the equalizer, but it was clear his side needed a response.
The second half saw United dominate possession, holding the ball for 70% of the time, but they struggled to break down Ipswich’s disciplined defense. Alejandro Garnacho forced a save from Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric within the opening minute of the half, but clear-cut chances were hard to come by for the visitors.
At the other end, Onana continued to shine, making a brilliant stop with his right foot to deny Delap’s flick from close range. Amorim introduced Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee with 20 minutes remaining in an effort to find a winner, but Ipswich remained resolute. In the dying moments, it was Ipswich substitute Conor Chaplin who came closest to a decisive goal, but his effort from inside the box was safely gathered by Onana.
The result leaves United frustrated as they seek consistency in a transitional period under Amorim. For Ipswich, the point is a morale-boosting result as they continue to adapt to life in the Premier League. United’s next test will be to build on this performance as Amorim works to instill his philosophy and reignite the team’s campaign.
