Ruben Amorim’s mark out of ten for Man Utd stars at Ipswich revealed with players left in no doubt about tough job ahead
RUBEN AMORIM gave Manchester United five out of ten for Sunday’s performance at Ipswich.
The coach looked frustrated as the Red Devils struggled in the 1-1 draw — his first game in charge — against the Premier League new boys.
Amorim delivered his verdict on the average display in the Portman Road dressing room, where he also revealed he was blown away by the intensity of the top flight.
A source said: “Amorim said their performance was a five out of ten.
“He was impressed with Ipswich and thought the game was played at an incredible intensity.
“But he added that it showed just how much United need to improve.”
Former Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim, who replaced axed Erik ten Hag as boss this month, is realistic about the major task ahead of him.
But he warned his players that they must improve and learn quickly.
The Portuguese, 39, acknowledged that if 18th-placed Ipswich are one of the Prem’s lesser teams, then it showed the job he has on his hands to turn Man Utd‘s fortunes around.
He took his first training session last Monday, with the international break only halfway through.
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The source added: “He was critical of one or two players for losing the ball and not being in the right positions.
“But he also said, ‘Some of you I’ve had for two days, some two weeks’, so he was realistic.
“He did say they were going to have to learn quickly.”
Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Onana saves Amorim from embarrassment in first game as boss
MANCHESTER UNITED began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.
Marcus Rashford needed just 81 seconds to put the Red Devils in front at Portman Road, tapping home an Amad Diallo cross.
But Ipswich hit back when Omari Hutchinson’s strike flew in via a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui.
And it was the newly-promoted side who looked likelier to get a winner in the second half.
Here is how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett saw the performances of the Man Utd players…
ANDRE ONANA – 7/10
United’s best player. Two key stops to deny Liam Delap but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal.
Then delivered an 87th minute save to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 5
Slotted in on the right of the three-man defence but unfortunate with the deflection for the goal.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5
Has been suspect this season and will probably be better suited to a back three although still given a tough time by Delap.
JONNY EVANS – 5
The 36-year-old was targeted by Ipswich for his lack of pace and no surprise he was replaced.
AMAD DIALLO – 6
Did incredibly well to bomb past Jens Cajuste and deliver the cross for Rashford’s early goal but offered little else.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5
Some nice touches going forward but too lightweight in this position in front of the back three.
CASEMIRO – 4
Lucky to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte and was really poor.
Struggled throughout before being subbed and could maybe have got a block to the Hutchinson shot.
DIOGO DALOT – 5
Not suited to left wing-back although stayed there when Luke Shaw arrived because the English international replaced Evans in the back three.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 5
Some of his link-up play was fine but United need a captain who can inspire this team and Fernandes is not the man.
Sent a free-kick flashing past the post with 12 minutes left.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5
Twice called over by Ruben Amorim in the first half for instructions.
Denied by a decent save from Aro Muric 50 seconds into the second half.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 6
Criticised for his basketball trip to New York so to score after 80 seconds was two fingers up at his critics – but did not offer much after that.
Subs
Ugarte (for Casemiro 56 mins) – 6
Shaw (for Evans 56 mins) – 6
Hojlund (for Rashford 67 mins) – 5
Zirkzee ( for Eriksen 67 mins) – 5
Mount (for Garnacho 87 mins) – 5