24th November, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Ruben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United manager began on a disappointing note as the Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Ipswich Town on Sunday.
The match got off to a bright start for United when Marcus Rashford scored in the 2nd minute. Rashford struck a clinical first-time shot from inside the box, placing the ball into the bottom right corner and giving the visitors an early lead.
Christian Eriksen nearly doubled the advantage in the 7th minute. He found himself in acres of space on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful effort, but his shot narrowly missed the left post.
Ipswich, however, grew into the game, and Sammie Szmodics came close to equalising in the 11th minute. His fierce mid-range shot was heading for the bottom left corner, but United goalkeeper Andre Onana made a superb save to deny him.
As the first half progressed, Ipswich continued to apply pressure. Liam Delap had a promising opportunity in the 40th minute, receiving a quality pass inside the box and firing a shot on target. Onana was equal to the task, making a comfortable save.
Moments later, Jens Cajuste tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area, but his effort narrowly cleared the bar.
Ipswich’s persistence paid off in the 43rd minute when Omari Hutchinson produced a moment of brilliance.
Collecting a well-placed pass, he unleashed a thunderous strike from medium range into the top left corner, leaving Onana with no chance and levelling the score just before half-time.
In the second half, Ipswich looked dangerous again, with Liam Delap latching onto a precise cross inside the box in the 52nd minute.
Delap’s strike appeared destined for the back of the net, but Onana made an excellent save to keep United in the game.
Despite United’s early promise, they struggled to regain control and failed to convert their possession into meaningful chances.
The result leaves Amorim with much to ponder as United’s ambitions of a strong campaign were undermined by a lacklustre performance against a team fighting to escape the lower end of the table.
For Ipswich, the draw was a hard-earned point and a testament to their resilience against one of the Premier League’s giants.