Amorim matches impressive Premier League stat

The game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Omari Hutchinson's curled finish cancelling out Rashford's early strike, but the speed at which we found the net against the Tractor Boys bodes well for future matches.

As such, the 39-year-old is only the second permanent manager in Premier League history to see his side score within the opening two minutes of their first game – former United manager David Moyes did so when he was in charge of Everton back in 2002.

This impressive stat is just one of several key takeaways from an evening of new beginnings, returns and dedication...

RUBEN'S FIRST GAME

Amorim was an animated figure in the away dugout at Portman Road, issuing instructions to his players throughout.

The boss wasn't afraid to make changes in the second half either, introducing players to try and give the Reds the advantage again in the second half. Ruben said before the match that all he wanted from today was to go into tomorrow having won, but while the Reds leave Ipswich with one point rather than three, the Portuguese head coach will have many positives to take away from Sunday's game.

A NEW SHAPE

A lot had been said about Ruben's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation prior to the match this week, and that was the shape United adopted throughout his first match in charge.

Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt and Jonny Evans were the three central defenders, with Diogo Dalot and Amad providing width. The new shape proved dividends early on, when Amad created for Rashford, and there are signs there that our players are getting used to Amorim's system.

The boss said he would be starting as he meant to go on, ahead of the match at Ipswich, and the formation on display at Portman Road is one that the Reds can start getting accustomed to as the 39-year-old settles into his role at United.

INJURY RETURNS

Substitutions in the second half marked the return of Luke Shaw and Mason Mount from their respective injuries.

Both players are a welcome boost for our new boss and, with both seemingly adapting well to the change in system under Amorim, they will now be looking to kick on as we strive to get our first victory under him. There was great news on the substitutes bench, too, with Tyrell Malacia named in the matchday squad for the first time in over a year.

AXEL TUANZEBE

A familiar face was named in Ipswich's starting line-up, in the form of United Academy graduate Axel Tuanzebe.

The 27-year-old arrived at Portman Road in 2023, following loan spells at Aston Villa, Napoli and Stoke City. The defender was his bullish self, being tasked with marking Reds livewire Alejandro Garnacho throughout.

It's great to see yet another player from our youth system stepping up and playing regularly in the Premier League.

BACK AT PORTMAN ROAD

Sunday's trip to Ipswich's home stadium, Portman Road, was our first since 2002.

On that day, a Ruud van Nistelrooy penalty earned United a 1-0 win and this weekend, the history came flooding back as soon as I stepped inside the ground. Adorned with names of greats from years gone by – Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson – Portman Road truly is a stadium that bridges the current generation to their predecessors, and that storied past can be felt in the air there.

THOSE FANS

Our travelling supporters need no introduction and, once more, the Reds shouted loud and proud to back us on the road.

Whether it be new chants to honour Amorim or the more traditional cheers, our fans were yet again brilliant and applauded Ruben and his players at full-time.

Glimpses of his vision were there, and our supporters saw – and appreciated – a window into what could be for United in the future.