Two students of José Mourinho go head-to-head as the Tractor Boys and the Red Devils meet in England’s top-tier for the first time in 22 years.
By Filip Mishov
New beginnings and a meeting of minds
A new era begins at Manchester United as the Premier League‘s match against the Tractor Boys will mark Rúben Amorim‘s debut as new head coach of the 20-time champions of England. The ambitious Portuguese coach joined the Red Devils from Sporting during the international break and the 39-year-old will become United’s youngest man to take charge of the first team since Wilf McGuinness (31) back in 1969. With that being said, the world football’s eyes will definitely be on Amorim & co. over the next few weeks at least, and on how his young coaching staff will fare with Old Trafford’s dressing room egos.
Another promising head coach sits in the home dugout as Kieran McKenna secured Ipswich Town‘s first win (1-2 vs. Tottenham Hotspur) in England’s top-tier since 2002 ahead of the international break, which was also the Northern Irish coach’s first-ever Premier League win. The studious McKenna (38) is only a year younger than Amorim and they have much in common, as the former was promoted to Manchester United’s first-team coach during José Mourinho‘s reign at the Theatre of Dreams, while the latter does not only share the same nationality with the Special One, but Rúben spent a week-long internship at Carrington under him back in 2018. Furthermore, McKenna and Amorim’s paths have crossed once again over the summer, when they both found themselves on the shortlist of Erik ten Hag‘s potential replacements before the INEOS-led hierarchy ultimately decided to stick with the Dutchman.
Team news
The Blues will welcome a few players back in to the squad with Kalvin Phillips spearheading the list following his return from suspension, while Jacob Greaves, Jack Taylor, Wes Burns and Nathan Broadhead are allnearing a return on the pitch.
The international break was a turning point for the Red Devils’ injury headaches as Amorim will enjoy having not one, but two fit left backs as both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are back in full training, with the Dutchman even playing 45 minutes for the U21s in the EFL Trophy. Additionally, Leny Yoro is finally ready to make his debut after recovering from the metatarsal injury which kept him out since August. Harry Maguire remains the only absentee.
A familiar key player
With Amorim destined to switch to his favoured 3-4-3 formation, it is more than certain that something has got to give and the squad is readying for a few changes, but the undisputed captain – Bruno Fernandes should continue to play a vital role in the starting XI going forward. His compatriot on the sidelines favours having a couple of no. 10s behind the main striker and Fernandes is set to occupy one of those spots. Also, Bruno’s form has been on the rise since Ten Hag was shown the door and everything points to United’s No. 8 continuing his good form. Needless to say, Fernandes is the team’s most creative player and whether Amorim will be a success or not, Bruno’s performances will have a big say in that.
Prediction
Undoubtedly, the pressure will be on Amorim & co. to deliver and continue Manchester United’s two-match winning streak, but Kieran McKenna has a point to prove and his players are surely readying themselves to spoil the Portuguese’s debut at Portman Road. The Red Devils sit in 13th place ahead of the away trip, while Ipswich are further down in 17th and with the hectic Christmas schedule coming up, each point becomes vital. An away win for United should be expected, but one can never be too sure with this crop of players, and Liam Delap & co. are not to be underestimated, just ask Spurs.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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