Ipswich vs Manchester United Preview
- Manchester United to win
- Garnacho to score or assist
Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League has been fraught with challenges. Despite a winless start that stretched over ten games, The Tractor Boys finally broke their duck with a surprising 2-1 victory over Tottenham just before the international break.
Now they face the daunting task of hosting Manchester United at Portman Road as they seek to secure their first home win of the season.
Ipswich’s Uphill Battle
Life in the Premier League has been tough for Ipswich, whose record this season reads W1, D5, L5.
Their only victory—a morale-boosting win over Tottenham—was a significant moment, reminiscent of their previous Premier League stint in 2001/02 when back-to-back wins began with a similar 2-1 triumph over Spurs.
However, home form remains a glaring issue for Kieran McKenna’s side. Ipswich are the only Premier League team yet to register a home win this season (D3, L2), and history suggests trouble ahead.
All five newly-promoted teams that failed to win any of their first six home games in a Premier League campaign were ultimately relegated.
Adding to Ipswich’s woes is their poor record against Manchester United, whom they haven’t beaten in any competition this century (D1, L4).
Nevertheless, McKenna’s familiarity with United—having spent time as a coach there—might offer some insight into his formidable opponents.
Manchester United: A New Era Under Ruben Amorim
Manchester United come into this game under new management, with Ruben Amorim becoming their sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. At just 39 years old, Amorim is the youngest United manager since Wilf McGuinness in 1969.
Despite sitting in the bottom half of the league table, United’s dressing room is buoyed by recent performances.
Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy guided the team to a four-match unbeaten run (W3, D1), and with several key players returning from injury during the international break, Amorim inherits a squad nearing full strength.
The Red Devils’ record against promoted sides adds to their confidence. They are unbeaten in their last 19 Premier League games against newly-promoted teams (W17, D2) and have won the last nine such fixtures on the road.
Extending that streak to ten would place them alongside Chelsea, who hold the record for consecutive away wins against promoted sides (21 from 2002-08).
Key Players and Battles
Ipswich: Axel Tuanzebe
Axel Tuanzebe, a former Manchester United player, will be central to Ipswich’s defensive efforts. The experienced defender has been booked in his last two appearances and will face a stern test against United’s young sensation Alejandro Garnacho.
Manchester United: Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho has been a revelation for Manchester United, becoming only the second non-British player to directly contribute to 20 Premier League goals for the club before turning 21, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
His pace and creativity on the left flank will be a key weapon as United look to break down Ipswich’s defence.
Tactical Insights
Ipswich are likely to adopt a cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity and looking to capitalise on counterattacking opportunities.
Tuanzebe’s familiarity with United’s attacking style could be advantageous, but the Tractor Boys will need to be sharper in front of goal to trouble a reinvigorated United defence.
For Manchester United, Amorim is expected to maintain the momentum built under Van Nistelrooy, emphasising possession and attacking transitions.
With Garnacho and returning players like Luke Shaw bolstering their lineup, the Red Devils have the quality to dictate the tempo and dominate proceedings.
Prediction: Ipswich 1-3 Manchester United
While Ipswich’s win over Tottenham was a confidence booster, their lack of home form and historical struggles against Manchester United present significant hurdles.
United’s rejuvenated squad and dominant record against promoted sides make them heavy favourites for this encounter.
Expect Ipswich to show spirit, but the class and depth of Manchester United should ultimately prove too much, extending their unbeaten run against newly-promoted teams and continuing Amorim’s positive start as United manager.
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Ipswich v Man Utd, 2024/25 | Premier League