Ruben Amorim saw his Manchester United side held to a 1-1 draw against Ipswich at Portman Road; United took an early lead but conceded before the break; Amorim's side covered 102km, their second lowest distance this season
Sunday 24 November 2024 20:24, UK
Ruben Amorim admits his Manchester United players will suffer for "a long period of time" after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Ipswich in his first game in charge of the club.
United made a dream start to the game, scoring less than two minutes after the first whistle with Marcus Rashford tapping home to kickstart Amorim's tenure. However, Ipswich quickly found themselves on top, dominating possession and chances before Omari Hutchinson, helped by a deflection off Noussair Mazrouai, curled in an equaliser.
Andre Onana was also called upon on several occasions, making crucial stops to keep out Liam Delap and Conor Chaplin.
Speaking during his press conference after the game Amorim said:
"I know it's frustrating for the fans but we are changing so much in this moment, with a lot of games. We are going to suffer for a long period and try to win games, this will take time. We could win [vs Ipswich] but we could also lose if not for Onana.
"But we have to think and be pragmatic about [the fact that] these guys had two days to train and change so much."
Asked about his side's performance after the game, Amorim stressed the need for his side to improve their understanding of his style.
"It's a tough league, you learn that in the first moment," Amorim told Sky Sports.
"My players were thinking too much in the game, you can feel it. Not just on the ball but where they are supposed to be. And that is hard It's just two days with the team so it's really hard. I think the physicality we needed more in the first half.
"If you see the first half, you can see that they are a little bit afraid. [Ipswich player Sam Morsy] was always alone. We have to jump on him. Hutchinson was always in the dead space, Jonny Evans should be pressing his guy but when we don't have training and it's hard to say all the reactions to the players, we had two days so they are confused a little bit.
"They want this, the players want this, they don't know how to get it, that was my feeling.
"You start discovering things that you didn't know like Garna [Alejandro Garnacho], can hold the ball between lines, you can understand that by seeing the games because he's always open so you try to find these things.
"Bruno Fernandes improved his game by playing near the ball. So he can give us the long pass but you cannot put him there all the time because he wants the long pass all the time.
"We will try to find a lot of things about the players, we will need a lot of time to work out these things."
Amorim's side covered a total distance of 102km throughout the game, their second lowest of the season. Asked why his side struggled physically he said:
"We have to look at the data, understand the data and look at that.
"First, we have to understand the game, we have to be so much better physically to cope with the high pressure, the volume of the high-speed running, all these things but we need time to work on these things."
Former United captain Roy Keane expressed his concerns about United's lack of quality.
"We saw the shape of the team but it is the same players and the same problems," he told Sky Sports.
"We talk about leopards and spots. Lack of goals and a lack of quality in the second half. Ipswich looked the better team. It's his first game. A lot to take in and it has been a mental week for him [Amorim] but ultimately he will be disappointed."
Keane also echoed Amorim's thoughts about the fear the United players appeared to show after taking an early lead in the first half.
"This team, for the last year or two, has been all about moments. United sat back and you're thinking, 'what are you waiting for? Go after them!'
"They seemed fearful to go on and win the game. They lacked the confidence and belief. Do I believe they have the quality to get them back to the top four? Absolutely not. The evidence is not there. It's the same old stuff. Predictable and a real lack of quality."
Jamie Redknapp says United's squad of players showed their true selves during the game and warned Amorim of being fooled by their inconsistent shows of quality.
"I'm already fed up with talking about this system he's going to employ," Redknapp told Sky Sports.
"The players in this system aren't going to be the ones for the future. You aren't going to see Evans or Mazraoui.
"Is that midfield going to see Casemiro and Christian Eriksen? Of course, it isn't. The best thing to happen now is almost to not be fooled by these players. After two minutes we're thinking 'wow, the Messiah is here'. But they showed their true selves in the end - the quality is not there.
"The manager hasn't got a magic wand, he's hardly had any time to work with these players. He's trying to create and system and a way of playing, but he's going to need time.
"The players that have let you down over the past year or so haven't suddenly become great players because Amorim has walked into the club. It doesn't work like that. So patience, time, and he's going to learn a lot about who is going to be a part of his plan and who isn't."
