MARCUS RASHFORD got the Ruben Amorim era at Manchester United off to the perfect start by scoring after just 81 SECONDS.
Amorim’s side went down to Ipswich for the first game in charge since the former Sporting Lisbon boss took over.
Much had been made about Amorim’s proposed switch to a back three with wing-backs.
But with only two natural centre-backs named in the starting XI for the Ipswich clash there was concern over how it might work.
However, those questions were dismissed as right wing-back Amad Diallo burst through the Tractor Boys defence and towards the penalty area.
He then whipped a cross into the penalty area which found Rashford who was playing at centre-forward.
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The 27-year-old was then able to sidefoot the ball into the back of the net with a deft touch past goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
SunSport had taken a look at how Rashford might rediscover his goalscoring touch under Amorim as a central striker or on the left-side of the front three.
And the decision to play him ahead of Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee provided early vindication for Amorim and his coaches.
Before the game against Ipswich, Rashford had scored just one in the Premier League – coming against Southampton in September.
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He had bagged three more in the Europa League and League Cup, but had generally been asked to play in a more creative role that had yielded three assists in all competitions.
The move to centre-forward puts Rashford into more dangerous areas where he will be able to impact the game in the most decisive way.
Elsewhere in the team, Diogo Dalot lined up at left wing-back, with Jonny Evans, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui named as the three centre-backs.
Christian Eriksen and Casemiro played as the two central midfielders in the system, while Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho starred as the two 10s behind Rashford.
However, after the goal United struggled to match Ipswich throughout the game.
Andre Onana was in top form to keep Liam Delap at bay from close range either side of half-time.
But he could nothing when Omari Hutchinson’s long-range strike took a deflection off of Mazraoui and spun into the top corner.
The Red Devils hardly had a sniff even at the Ipswich goal even with second half changes seeing Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount introduced.
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
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
