IPSWICH – MANCHESTER UNITED 1-1:
Ruben Amorim‘s time as Manchester United manager could hardly have started better than it did.
Less than one and a half minutes had passed at Portman Road when Marcus Rashford put the guests in the lead.
Then the cheers in the away section went silent, and some of the criticism must be borne by the goalscorer himself.
– Far too poor
Rashford started the match as a striker, at the expense of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund, but Viaplay expert Lars Tjærnås believes the United star does not possess all the skills required to play there.
– He is far too poor when facing the wrong way. He doesn’t have the movement to gain that one meter he needs against defenders, and he also isn’t tough enough when he is up against a strong center-back, Tjærnås said just before Rashford was substituted after 63 minutes.
Several Manchester United fans also expressed their dissatisfaction with the United star’s performance during Amorim’s first match as United manager.
Keane: – Amorim has big problems
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane also believes Ruben Amorim faces a huge challenge offensively.
– He has big problems. They posed no threat in the second half, and Ipswich looked like the team that would win this, despite them not having won at home this year, Keane said in Sky Sports’ studio.
CHALLENGES AHEAD: Ruben Amorim has no easy job, according to Roy Keane.
Photo: Dave Shopland
– It’s the same issues for Manchester United, but he’s only had a week with the team. You have to give the man a chance, but the offensive threats are a big problem for United. It’s not good enough, Keane continued.
Amorim: – Should have controlled the game
Ruben Amorim summarized his Premier League debut like this when he was interviewed by Viaplay after the match:
– It’s a tough league. I knew that beforehand, but you really get the feeling here, with the intensity from the opponent and the atmosphere in the stadium. We started well, scored, and should have controlled more of the game with the ball. We didn’t do that.
– It’s tough for them, and they have had to learn new positions in two days. They are trying and running, and that’s all we can ask for. We look forward and think about the next match, Amorim said.
The Portuguese implemented his expected 3-4-3 formation and acknowledges that it will take time before United players become accustomed to it.
Saved by Onana
United was saved multiple times by Andre Onana, who prevented several goals with extraordinary saves.
However, he could not stop Omari Hutchinson’s header in the first half.
HAD TO GIVE IN: Andre Onana was good, but on this shot from Omari Hutchinson he had to give in.
Photo: Bradley Collyer
Seeing several positive signs
Despite only earning one point against newly-promoted Ipswich, Tjærnås believes there are several positive aspects to take away from Amorim’s debut.
The Viaplay expert lists three points he is impressed with:
Building up from the back, the balance between when the team launches counterattacks and when they retain possession, as well as their ability to switch between high and low pressing.
Especially building up from the back impressed Tjærnås.
– That’s what has worked the best, in my opinion. It’s quite impressive how secure they have looked in that part of the game, the Viaplay commentator stated during the match.
Ruben Amorim’s first match as Manchester United manager at Old Trafford will be against Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League this coming Thursday.
What changes could Ruben Amorim implement to improve Manchester United’s attacking play?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert Lars Tjærnås
Editor: Welcome, Lars! It’s great to have you here to discuss Manchester United’s recent draw against Ipswich during Ruben Amorim’s first match as manager. What were your initial thoughts on the game?
Tjærnås: Thank you for having me! It was an intriguing match, especially considering it was Amorim’s debut. Manchester United started brightly with Rashford scoring early, but they struggled to maintain control, especially in the second half.
Editor: Speaking of Rashford, you mentioned during the match that he didn’t quite fit the role of striker. Can you elaborate on that?
Tjærnås: Absolutely. While Rashford has incredible pace and skill, I believe he lacks the necessary movement and physicality to play effectively as a central striker. He really struggles when he’s facing the wrong way, having trouble creating that crucial meter of space he needs against defenders.
Editor: That sentiment was echoed by former United captain Roy Keane, who was quite critical of the team’s attacking approach. What do you think Amorim can change to address these issues?
Tjærnås: Keane is right; Amorim is stepping into a complicated situation. It’s been clear for a while that United’s offensive options have been lacking. He only had a week with the squad before the match—time is not on his side. A shift in formation or strategy might be necessary, especially if he plans to continue with the 3-4-3 setup. More dynamic movement and support for the striker role is essential.
Editor: Amorim mentioned that the team should have controlled the game better. What did you make of the players’ adaptability to his tactics?
Tjærnås: It’s a tough ask, no doubt. Changing tactical systems requires players to understand new roles and responsibilities quickly, which isn’t easy, particularly in a league as demanding as the Premier League. He’ll need patience as they adjust, but they’ve got to show more assertiveness in possession too.
Editor: United fans have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with some players’ performances—Rashford, in particular. What do you think he needs to improve moving forward?
Tjærnås: Rashford needs to work on his hold-up play and positioning. When he’s not scoring, he must find other ways to impact the game positively. His connection with midfielders and creating opportunities for others is crucial. Otherwise, he risks being a liability when his goal-scoring dips.
Editor: As we look ahead, what should fans expect from Amorim’s tenure considering the challenges ahead?
Tjærnås: Expect a period of adjustment. The key for Amorim will be to instill confidence and a clear playing style within this team. He needs to harness the talent at his disposal while addressing the evident weaknesses. If he can strike that balance, the team can begin to show a real competitive edge.
Editor: Thanks for your insights, Lars! It’ll be interesting to see how Amorim navigates this tricky period for Manchester United.
Tjærnås: It was my pleasure! I’m looking forward to seeing how this unfolds in the coming weeks.