Ipswich vs Manchester United tips and predictions: Can Red Devils win first game under Ruben Amorim?

By Daniel Coyle

Ipswich state of play 

Ipswich are riding high after posting their first victory in Premier League action since 2002. They return from the international break looking to record their first victory over Manchester United in over 30 years. 

The Tractor Boys are now unbeaten in their past two matches and have proven to be tough opponents on home turf at Portman Road, unbeaten in three of their last four home matches. 

The club’s recent success has lifted them out of the Premier League relegation zone, one point ahead of 18th place Crystal Palace and just seven points behind Manchester United.

Manchester United state of play 

Sunday afternoon’s matchup marks the highly anticipated debut of new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.

Appointed following the recent sacking of Erik ten Hag, the former Sporting CP boss inherits a United squad that has endured a slow, injury-plagued start to the Premier League campaign. 

However, Manchester United return from the break enjoying their best form of the season, going undefeated in four matches across all competitions. This has been capped by consecutive clean-sheet victories over PAOK in Europa League action and Leicester in the Premier League.

Key talking point: Can Ruben Amorim have an immediate impact in debut as Manchester United manager?

United fans have been counting the days until Ruben Amorim takes over the hot seat at Old Trafford. 

The 39-year-old enjoyed a successful four-year stint with Sporting, who he led to a pair of Primeira Liga titles and 11 straight victories during a dominating start to this season. 

The challenge facing Amorim is having an immediate impact on implementing his strategy without upsetting the chemistry that has produced 11 total goals during the club’s four-game unbeaten run under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. 

Those efforts are complicated by the club’s recent long layoff and injuries to centre-backs Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez. 

FIRST’s top tip for Ipswich vs Manchester United 

Liam Delap first Ipswich goalscorer at 18/5 with Coral

Little was expected from Ipswich in their return to the Premier League for the first time in two decades. 

But in addition to a stingy defence that deserves praise for their recent run of form, Ipswich have also been buoyed by the performances of rising star Liam Delap. 

Signed during the summer, the 21-year-old forward has provided the spark in attack, scoring six of the club’s 14 total goals to date in the league. This has included five of the team’s nine goals in the past six matches. 

Delap has also opened the scoring for Ipswich on three occasions this season and should not be overlooked as an 18/5 bet to do it again on Sunday.

Extra tips

Bet Builder: Both teams to score and under 3.5 goals at 12/5 with Matchbook

With Amorim’s arrival coming at a time when the club is enjoying steady offensive production, it is wise to expect the Red Devils to try and dictate the pace and welcome their new manager by filling the net. 

However, the club should also be expected to take time to adapt to the offensive system that worked so well at Sporting, particularly against an Ipswich squad that has quickly proven to be anything but a pushover in defence. 

The Tractor Boys have enjoyed fast starts in three of their past four home matches and while the Red Devils may eventually emerge victorious on Sunday, they will have to fight tooth and nail for opportunities against an opponent that should not be underestimated.

Team news

In addition to a new manager, Manchester United welcomed several players back to training this week including Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro. 

However, the club remains without Harry Maguire, who has been sidelined since last month with a leg injury. In addition, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are coming out of the break nursing injuries that leave their status for Sunday in doubt.

While Delap has captured the spotlight in Ipswich, the performance of Irish forward Sammie Szmodics cannot be overlooked. Szmodics has scored in two of the club’s past three league contests.

Ipswich vs Manchester United predicted line-ups 

Ipswich: Muric; Johnson, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Philips; Hutchinson, Chaplin, Szmodics; Delap (4-2-3-1)

Manchester United: Onana; de Ligt, Evans, Martinez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dalot; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford (3-4-3)

Form guide (all competitions)

Ipswich Town: WDLLLDDDDL

Manchester United: WWDWLDWDDL

Odds correct at the time of writing.