Amorim’s debut ends in stalemate

Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town at Portman Road in Ruben Amorim’s first match as head coach.

The start could not have been much better for the visitors as they took the lead after 81 seconds.

A bursting run from Amad Diallo culminated in a cross to Marcus Rashford, who netted his second Premier League goal of the season.

But Omari Hutchinson was the man to get Ipswich back into the game.

He curled a spectacular effort into the far corner to level proceedings, with neither side able to grab a winning goal.

Read on to discover how the match unfolded in East Anglia.

How it happened

Manchester United, under the guidance of Amorim, couldn’t have asked for a better start.

Just 81 seconds into the match, Rashford latched onto a low cross from Amad Diallo to put the Red Devils ahead.

Amad’s darting run and precise delivery down the right flank were instrumental in carving open the Ipswich defence, allowing Rashford to finish clinically from close range.

The Tractor Boys, however, grew into the game.

Buoyed by the home crowd, they responded with increasing confidence, crafting several opportunities.

Andre Onana, United’s goalkeeper, was called into action multiple times, denying Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap with spectacular saves.

Ipswich’s equaliser came in the 43rd minute and was worth the wait.

Hutchinson, who had been a creative force throughout the first half, received a pass from Wes Burns on the edge of the area.

With a deft turn to evade Casemiro, Hutchinson unleashed a sublime curling shot that nicked off Noussair Mazraoui before nestling into the top corner, leaving Onana helpless.

The second half saw both teams push for a winner in an intense, end-to-end contest.

United introduced Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee to add firepower, while Ipswich made changes to solidify their midfield and attack.

Conor Chaplin and Jack Clarke were particularly impactful for the hosts, with Chaplin nearly stealing the show in the 87th minute when his effort was parried by Onana.

Manchester United created chances of their own, with Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick in the 79th minute narrowly missing the target.

Ipswich, meanwhile, saw their best late opportunity blocked, as Burgess thwarted Amad’s close-range attempt in stoppage time.

With a vibrant attacking display led by Hutchinson and Burns, the hosts demonstrated they belong at this level.

For United, it was a promising debut for Amorim, with glimpses of attacking cohesion, though defensive lapses and missed opportunities remain areas for improvement.

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