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Manchester United will travel to Ipswich Town on Sunday 24th November, as they aim to get Ruben Amorim’s time as manager off to the perfect start.
The clash will be the 58th meeting between the two sides with United coming out on top on 29 occasions. Ipswich have impressively won 19 games and there have been nine draws.
The last time the two sides met was back in 2015 when Louis van Gaal guided the Red Devils to a 3-0 win in the League Cup with goals from Wayne Rooney, Andreas Pereira and Anthony Martial securing the victory. The last league encounter was a 1-0 win at Portman Road for Sir Alex Ferguson’s United back in 2002.
Probably the most famous clash between the clubs was in 1995, when United ran out 9-0 winners with Andy Cole grabbing five goals.
Here are three plotlines that add a bit of spice to the occasion.
Ruben Amorim’s much-awaited debut
It is hard to believe that it has been almost a month since Erik ten Hag was sacked as United manager and despite the rapid appointment of Amorim, the Portuguese is yet to take control of a game, only starting training this week at Carrington.
The whole footballing world will be keeping a close eye on what happens at Portman Road tomorrow evening.
The 39 year old has impressed with his charm and confidence in front of the media and players.
Amorim has already identified United’s lack of intensity and carelessness with the ball as two factors he wants to work on immediately and he has promised we will already see changes to the system.
While most fans will appreciate it will take time to implement the style of play and principles Amorim desires, it will be exciting nonetheless to see what he will change.
Return of Kieran McKenna
Amorim is not the only young head coach on stage tomorrow evening. Former United coach McKenna, who is only 38 years old himself, has established himself as one of the most exciting managers in the league.
The Northern Irishman left United in 2021 to take over the reins at Ipswich and has helped them shoot up the league pyramid from the third division to the Premier League.
While they have only won one game from eleven and sit 17th in the table, they have been highly competitive despite possessing a squad which is only worth a fraction of most Premier League sides.
Most of the media glare will certainly be on Amorim but McKenna has also been discussed as a United manager of the future, so would like nothing more than to remind his former employers of his clear potential.
United’s strong record versus newly promoted sides
Much has been written about the Red Devils’ struggles in the Premier League but one thing they have done well as of late is pick up points against promoted sides.
According to the BBC, they “are unbeaten in 19 league fixtures versus newly-promoted opposition, including 17 victories, since a 4-1 loss at Watford in November 2021.”
They have already dispatched Southampton and Leicester City 3-0 this season and would be delighted with a similar scoreline tomorrow against the third side promoted from last year’s Championship.
Unfortunately the Red Devils have only won two away matches since May and one this season, the 3-0 win at St Mary’s, so this is something Amorim must find a solution to rapidly.
The highly anticipated game will kick off at Portman Road tomorrow at 16.30 UK time.
