Ruben Amorim witnessed the amount of work he has to do at Manchester United in Sunday’s underwhelming 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Amad and Marcus Rashford combined to open the scoring within the first two minutes before Omari Hutchinson’s long-range leveller at the end of the first half.
Amorim used the full capacity of his substitutions in the second half but couldn’t inspire his side to a debut victory in East Anglia.
Express Sport rates United’s players in their first run-outs of the Portuguese boss’ era.
Man Utd player ratings vs Ipswich
Andre Onana: 8
Produced two glorious saves to deny Liam Delap and could do nothing about Hutchinson’s deflected equaliser.
Noussair Mazraoui: 7
Tasked to fill in for injury absentee Lisandro Martinez as one of Amorim’s three centre-backs and continued his strong start to life at United. Consistently won duels and was crucial to the visitors’ build-up from the back.
Matthijs de Ligt: 6
Didn’t have as much to do as the wider centre-halves but also contributed to United’s build-up with a lofty pass accuracy.
Jonny Evans: 4
It was always going to be a tall order, as impressive as he’s been since returning to United. The 36-year-old struggled as the left-centre-back against Ipswich’s energetic attack.
Amad: 7
United’s new right-wing-back? Continued where he left off before the international break in an unfamiliar position with an unstoppable burst and cross to assist Rashford’s early opener.
Casemiro: 4
It’s no secret that Amorim will need a different profile of midfielder for his high-octane system going forward. The 32-year-old was off the pace on the ball and off it.
Christian Eriksen: 5
Another ageing midfielder who has had an improved season but isn’t suited for the new manager’s demands. Kobbie Mainoo’s return will be a popular one.
Diogo Dalot: 6
Another player in a new role. Largely successful in his individual duels but didn’t offer much going forward.
Bruno Fernandes: 6
Characteristically among the match’s top chance-creators but received limited service in a more advanced position under the instructions of his Portuguese compatriot.
Alejandro Garnacho: 3
Dispossessed far too often and once again guilty of not looking up to collapse a promising United break that should’ve resulted in a second goal in the second half.
Marcus Rashford: 7
Perfectly launched the Amorim era by prodding United ahead in the 80th second. But another victim of a lack of service, touching the ball just 13 times before exiting the pitch.
Substitutes
Luke Shaw: 6
Slotted in at left-centre-back nicely in his first appearance since February.
Manuel Ugarte: 6
Amorim will be happy to have reunited with his former Sporting midfielder.
Joshua Zirkzee: 5
Ballooned a shot miles over the bar in acres of space after coming on. Sums up his United start.
Rasmus Hojlund: 6
Didn’t have much of a say.
Mason Mount: N/A
A late introduction. Amorim “loves” him.
