The time for talking is over. Erik ten Hag was sacked as Manchester United manager at the end of October, and his compatriot Ruud van Nistelrooy came in and steadied the ship with three wins and a creditable draw against Chelsea. All of that, however, was a prelude to the arrival of Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager departed Sporting Lisbon as a hero and will now look to succeed where so many others have failed in the 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
It remains to be seen whether the new manager bounce will extend to the permanent boss or if it was exclusively reserved for the interim. In their last match, Ipswich stunned Spurs and secured their first campaign win, putting them just above the relegation zone. Some observers feel the visitors could somehow climb the table and end up in the top four this season, but Amorim will be wise to take each game as it comes without thinking too far ahead. He has said all the right things since arriving at Old Trafford, but all that goodwill might dissipate if the results disappoint.
Ten Hag must feel somewhat cursed as United’s injury crisis finally seems to be curtailing at the exact moment he exited. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro are back in training, and even Luke Shaw is apparently edging closer to a return to action. Forwards Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund will hope the new man in charge can reinvigorate their seasons, not least because United’s biggest problem in the last couple of years has been scoring goals.
The last time Ipswich beat United was way back in September 1994. Paul Scholes debuted at Portman Road that day and even managed to score a consolation goal in a 3-2 defeat. In the reverse fixture, however, United won 9-0 and secured the record Premier League victory.
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Ipswich Town vs Manchester United odds
Venue: Portman Road — Ipswich
Time: 4:30 p.m. GMT (11:30 a.m. ET), Sunday
Streaming: Fubo (US only, try for free)
Form guide (league only)
Ipswich Town: 1-5-5, 8 points (17th); W-D-L-L-L
Manchester United: 4-3-4, 15 points (13th); W-D-L-W-D
Match prediction
Ipswich Town 1-3 Manchester United
The arrival of a 39-year-old in the Old Trafford hotseat has seen supporters start to believe the club’s fortunes might finally pick up in a meaningful way. It feels like an ideal fixture for the new man against a newly promoted side who pulled off an astounding win in their last match but will not be expected to repeat the trick. United should have too much for the hosts. If not, the honeymoon period will be over before it began.
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Ruben Amorim, the Right One? Man Utd head coach mixes warmth with steel in first press conference
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The Premier League returns: Guardiola’s contract, Amorim’s arrival and could Chelsea be title challengers?
(Photo of Ruben Amorim: Miguel Riopa / AFP via Getty Images)
