The Bubsy Babe
The first match of the Ruben Amorim era played out before a fully packed Portman Road on Sunday evening. There was palpable excitement for both sides as Ipswich Town hosted Manchester United in the Premier League for the first time in 22 years. The Tractor Boys, who are again mixing it with the big boys, came into this match off the back of a 2-1 win at Tottenham last time out.
Manchester United were up for their first match under newly appointed head coach Ruben Amorim. Curiosity about the lineup was rife, and fans were keen to see the workings of the famed three-at-the-back system that Amorim has been renowned for.
In the end, a 1-1 draw was quite a disappointment for the Red Devils, despite the saves Andre Onana made to secure a point at the newly promoted Ipswich. The first 81 seconds of the game were electric, as United came off the blocks and Rashford finished a crafted move with Amad Diallo at its center.
Amorim did not jump dramatically for joy, instead adopting a business-like demeanor as he anticipated the rest of the game. Soon enough, United's inherent propensity to fade and lag showed. Ipswich went on to post a dominant first half, keeping the ball comfortably and creating a couple of chances.
It was clear that the legs of Casemiro and Eriksen would not cope with the athleticism of Kieran McKenna's Tractor Boys. Ipswich equalized with a well-struck, albeit deflected, strike from Omari Hutchinson.
Amorim has spoken about identity, idea, and the need to keep the ball and understand the game in all his interviews since joining. What will be very clear to the 39-year-old is the scale of the job ahead of him, and the time he faces. This team already has an identity – but it is the wrong one. The team lacks intensity, legs, and football IQ.
It is damning on the one hand, but on the other, it is clear that Amorim will have to suffer the poor recruitment and scattergun approach to squad building at United until he gets a chance to operate a window. It is a bit of a long journey, which will only be fruitful if a clear vision is established.
At the moment, there is a lot of work to do, and a few of these players could be on their way out. Amorim promised an idea, and there were sketches. However, there was a lack of intensity, energy, and personality after 15 minutes.
It is fair to say that after only two full sessions with the whole squad, it's a lot to take in for the players regarding the system. However, the system is what will be in place, and the personnel will have to understand and implement the principles.
My real worry is whether they can or will do it in the long run. What is clear, however, is that this is the reality for Amorim. He will need to work to instill a culture of hard work, intensity, IQ, and personality, as he did at Sporting. It will take time – quite some time!
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