Rúben Amorim is set to make his debut as Manchester United’s manager this weekend when they face Ipswich Town at Portman Road. The Portuguese coach takes over following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s successful interim spell, which helped stabilize a struggling team. Amorim’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era for the club, with high expectations as he looks to start his tenure with a positive result.
Van Nistelrooy leaves behind a squad that, though unbeaten under his leadership, still languishes in 13th place in the Premier League—an alarming position that highlights the challenges Amorim faces. Adding to the difficulty, Ipswich, coming off an unexpected victory over Tottenham, will be no easy opponent. The match also holds extra intrigue due to the presence of Kieran McKenna, a former United coach, now in charge of Ipswich.
Amorim has already introduced his tactical approach, opting for a 3-4-3 formation, although injuries in defense are forcing him to adapt. With Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf, and Lisandro Martínez all sidelined, Amorim will rely on Matthijs de Ligt, Jonny Evans, and promising young talent Leny Yoro, who returns from injury. Goalkeeper André Onana will be crucial in maintaining stability behind the makeshift defense.
In the wing-back positions, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui will play key roles in both defense and attack. Midfield will feature a combination of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro, offering both tenacity and experience. Although Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen are still regaining full fitness, Bruno Fernandes will be tasked with leading the attack as the team’s main playmaker.
Up front, Amorim faces a decision on who to start, with Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo all competing for one spot. Rashford’s recent dip in form and Garnacho’s inconsistency have opened the door for Diallo, who impressed during a loan spell at Sunderland. Rasmus Højlund is likely to lead the line, with Joshua Zirkzee available for depth and competition.
In his first press conference as Manchester United’s manager, Amorim promised to restore the team’s identity and discipline, emphasizing the importance of a clear style of play. Although time for preparation has been limited, he stressed the need to instill character and solid positioning to turn around the club’s struggling season.
This match is especially significant as Amorim will become the youngest manager to debut for Manchester United in over fifty years. The stakes are high, with the need for points and the pressure of history hanging over him. As Amorim’s era begins, all eyes will be on him to see if he can inspire a turnaround against a confident Ipswich side. The outcome of this match will be a critical indicator of what lies ahead for the Portuguese coach at Manchester United.
