Manchester United will suffer for a long period: Amorim after debut ends with draw

Ruben Amorim acknowledged a challenging road ahead for Manchester United, admitting the team would "suffer for a long period" after a 1-1 Premier League draw against Ipswich Town on his managerial debut.

In Short

• Ruben Amorim's first match as United coach ends in a 1-1 draw
• Rashford scored early but Ipswich equalised via Hutchinson's goal
• Amorim admits adapting to new tactics will be a long process

Ruben Amorim's debut as Manchester United's head coach ended in a bittersweet 1-1 draw against newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Despite a dream start with Marcus Rashford scoring within two minutes, Amorim admitted the team would "suffer for a long period" as they adapted to his tactical demands.

The Red Devils surged ahead early when Amad Diallo, deployed in an unfamiliar right wing-back role, skipped past Jens Cajuste and set up Rashford for a simple finish. However, Ipswich responded with resilience, leveling before halftime through Omari Hutchinson's deflected strike.

United were spared a potential loss thanks to goalkeeper Andre Onana, who delivered two crucial saves against Ipswich's Liam Delap, keeping the visitors in the game during critical moments.

The 39-year-old Portuguese tactician, formerly of Sporting Lisbon, pulled no punches in evaluating the task ahead. "We are changing so much at the moment, and it will take time," Amorim remarked post-match. "We're trying to implement a new structure with limited preparation, and the players are giving their best. But we have to be pragmatic-it's going to be a long process."

Despite the honest critique, Amorim found positives in the team's effort and their attempts to implement his favored 3-4-3 system. "They stayed in the positions, received information, and tried to execute during the game," he noted. "That is a good starting point."

Ipswich, buoyed by a raucous home crowd, tested United throughout. Hutchinson's equalizer, deflected in off Noussair Mazraoui, was just reward for a dominant first half. Manager Kieran McKenna, a former United youth coach, praised his team's performance and Onana's heroics.

"The save from Delap was incredible," McKenna acknowledged. "We had moments to win, but Onana made the difference."

Amorim highlighted the challenge of balancing adaptation with immediate results. "We know we must win games while adapting. It's frustrating for fans, but we need patience," he said. The manager also praised the passion of the Premier League, noting, "You are lucky to have the best league in the world with atmospheres like this."

The draw leaves United reflecting on a mix of positives and lingering concerns as they navigate the early days of Amorim's reign. For Ipswich, the result underscores their potential to challenge even top-tier opposition.