Manchester United and Ipswich Town shared the points at Portman Road, with nothing to separate the sides in a one-all Premier League encounter.
The charismatic figure of Ruben Amorim kicked every ball from the sidelines as his era began with a battling point against a former United favourite in Kieran McKenna.
Sporting a new-look three-at-the-back setup, his side started confidently and continued much of the positive work that Ruud van Nistelrooy cultivated during his interim tenure.
However, it’s now five points from a possible twelve in the Premier League, seeing the 20-time English champions remain in the bottom half of the table ahead of Thursday’s Europa League visit of Bodo/Glimt.
Attempting to harness a notable record against promoted sides
Ahead of Sunday’s fixture, United had enjoyed a dominant record against newly-promoted sides, winning 17 and drawing two in their previous 19 outings.
That said, McKenna’s team has gained a reputation as an attractive attacking unit that adheres to a fluid structure with the brilliant line-leading characteristics of 21-year-old Liam Delap.
Furthermore, the Tractor Boys were riding the momentum of a superb road victory against Tottenham Hotspur before heading into the International break.
A new-look Manchester side began with a back three of Jonny Evans, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, with the latter highlighting his invaluable versatility with yet another positional change.
Despite a lack of ample preparation on the training field, Amorim’s men were determined to hit the ground running and sought to silence the partisan crowd from the opening whistle.
A decision to start Amad Diallo as a right-sided wing-back was vindicated after two minutes, with the Ivorian driving deep into the final third and slotting a pinpoint pass for Marcus Rashford to guide home.
Opting to drop his former lieutenant Manuel Ugarte to the bench, the Portuguese chief showed faith in Christain Eriksen and his undeniable experience and quality on the ball.
The Dane came close to doubling the lead after six minutes from distance, but his finessed effort sailed marginally wide of the post.
Ipswich flexed their muscles shortly after the ten-minute mark through Irish international Sammie Szmodics, but Andre Onana was comfortable denying the long-range effort.
Uncertainty about the player’s desire to adhere to a new-look system was dispelled throughout the opening quarter, with a notable discipline and shift in shape between defensive and attacking transitions.
Struggling to impose any control on the fixture, McKenna matched his visitor’s structure and shifted to a back three of his own.
The tactical change provided additional possession and a notable swagger from the home side, with their 12th man growing into the tie to boost their team.
Ipswich were impressive in their response and should have equalised on the 40-minute mark following some beautiful build-up play. But Onana expertly denied Delap from six yards.
The pressure continued, and the home fans were rewarded moments later when Omari Hutchinson’s long-range effort was deflected home off the head of Mazraoui.
Tempers flared between the sides for the remaining minutes of the half, with Delap and the Moroccan getting to know each other a little better.
One all at the break, and on the balance of play, United and Amorim would hardly dispute the scoreline.
Both managers opted to remain with the same XI at the break, and the visitors came close to replicating their first-half antics.
Bruno Fernandes fed Alejandro Garnacho after 60 seconds of the restart, but the Argentine was denied by Arijanet Muric.
The Reds appeared to regain the composure they displayed throughout the opening quarter, but Ipswich remained confident in their game plan.
Delap was once again denied by the brilliant Onana, with a cheeky backheel flick that bemused the defence and was inches from finding the net.
Amorim introduced Ugarte for Casemiro and Luke Shaw for Evans after ten minutes of the restart, aiming to impose further control in possession.
Despite the nervous energy in the stands, this was an entertaining fixture played from end to end, with both groups offering glimpses of a breakthrough through a series of calculated transitions.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee replaced Rashford and Eriksen for the final third, with Bruno dropping into midfield and Zirkzee leaning towards a familiar role from his days at Bologna.
Ipswich were unbeaten in two heading into the tie and displayed all of the grit and determination of a side that has earned back-to-back promotions from the third tier of English football.
Despite their intent, nerves were tested after 79 minutes when Bruno’s expertly taken free-kick sailed inches wide of the post, with more than a couple of gasps heard in Portman Road.
United held much of the ball for the remainder of the game but failed to break a resolute Ipswich structure, and the sides settled for a share of the points on offer.
When all is said, a 20th consecutive contest without a loss against newly-promoted opposition will prove largely academic for Amorim, who sits 12th in the Premier League table with much work ahead.
Next up is the visit of Bodo/Glimt in four days, with the prospect of continental success adding some optimism to those in attendance ahead of their arduous trip home.
What were your takeaways from today’s draw between Manchester United and Ipswich in Suffolk?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Recent Posts
- Theatre of Red official podcast | Episode 34 | Jerry Kelleher
- Manchester United 3-1 Southampton | Five Talking Points
- Amad leads Manchester United to victory against Southampton
