At just 39 years old, Amorim becomes United’s youngest manager since Wilf McGuinness in 1969. Despite his age, he brings an impressive track record, including a title-winning stint at Sporting Lisbon and a memorable 4-1 Champions League triumph over Manchester City.
Having already won over United fans with that stunning result, Amorim now aims to accomplish what Ten Hag, Louis van Gaal, and even Sir Alex Ferguson couldn’t—win his debut game as Manchester United manager.
Van Nistelrooy’s final matches saw United claim back-to-back victories, including a commanding 3-0 win over Leicester City. However, the Red Devils remain in 13th place in the Premier League and have struggled on the road, with just one away win this season—a 3-0 victory at Southampton in September. United’s five-match winless streak away from home presents Amorim with an immediate challenge.
On the other side, Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna knows the Manchester United system well, having served as a coach and assistant under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Jose Mourinho, Michael Carrick, and Ralf Rangnick. McKenna was even rumored to be a contender for the United job before committing to Ipswich with a new contract.
Ipswich heads into this match with a spark of confidence after shocking Tottenham with a 2-1 win two weeks ago. Goals from Liam Delap and Sammie Szmodics secured their first Premier League victory of the season and lifted them out of the relegation zone into 17th place.
However, they remain the only team in the league without a home win this season, and their recent history against United doesn’t inspire optimism. The Red Devils have won their last four meetings, including a 3-0 EFL Cup clash in 2015.
Amorim will look to make a strong first impression, while McKenna hopes to capitalize on Ipswich’s momentum to finally secure a home victory. It’s a clash of new beginnings for both sides.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Ruben Amorim is expected to roll out his signature 3-4-3 formation in his debut match as Manchester United manager, potentially boosted by the returns of Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, and Luke Shaw, all of whom took part in training earlier this week.However, Yoro and Shaw might not be rushed back due to their extended absences, and Tyrell Malacia remains unfit to play. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire (calf), Lisandro Martinez (back), and Victor Lindelof (groin) are all doubtful for Sunday’s game.
This leaves Amorim with limited options in defense, meaning Jonny Evans and Matthijs de Ligt are likely to anchor two spots in the back three. If reinforcements aren’t ready, we might even see Casemiro step into a makeshift center-back role.
On the Ipswich side, Kalvin Phillips is available again after serving a suspension, but manager Kieran McKenna revealed he’s nursing a knock and is questionable for the game. The Tractor Boys also have fitness concerns over Nathan Broadhead (groin), Wes Burns (knock), Jacob Greaves (thigh), Jack Taylor (unspecified), and Omari Hutchinson (foot). Both Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles) and George Hirst (knee) are confirmed absentees.
With Hirst out and Hutchinson doubtful, Conor Chaplin is likely to slot in behind Liam Delap up front. Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is also expected to start at right-back, taking on his old club in a familiar setting.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:Muric; Tuanzebe, O'Shea, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Johnson, Hutchinson, Szmodics; Delap
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; De Ligt, Casemiro, Evans; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Fernandes, Hojlund, Garnacho
EXPERT PREDICTION
Ipswich 1-3 Manchester United
Manchester United enjoyed a brief boost during Ruud van Nistelrooy’s stint as interim manager, and Ruben Amorim now begins his tenure against the Premier League’s weakest home team. However, United’s struggles on the road this season don’t make this an easy task.
With a depleted defense and players still adjusting to Amorim’s system, a dominant display might be too much to expect. That said, United’s fully-fit attack should have enough firepower to secure a winning start to this new chapter.
