The Football Faithful
·18 November 2024
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Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·18 November 2024
The Premier League resumes this weekend, with Ipswich Town hosting Manchester United at Portman Road. This marks a new era for the latter, who are introducing Ruben Amorim to the dugout as the successor to the recently dismissed Erik ten Hag.
The primary narrative ahead of the Red Devils’ trip to Portman Road will focus on Amorim and his tactics as Manchester United seek an alternative strategy to restore enduring success at Old Trafford. Amorim concluded his tenure at Sporting Lisbon undefeated in all competitions this season, after securing two Portuguese League crowns.
The 39-year-old’s initial objective is to enhance the underachieving Red Devils’ league standing, currently 13th. Though languishing in the bottom half, Manchester United retain a plausible opportunity to secure a top-four finish this season, with just four points separating them from the Champions League places.
Kieran McKenna will experience an emotional upheaval as his Ipswich Town team faces his previous employers. McKenna dedicated several years to the coaching staff at the Theatre of Dreams under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho. This experience evidently paid dividends because McKenna has accomplished remarkable feats with Ipswich Town thus far, achieving successive promotions with the Tractor Boys. This term, however, Saturday’s hosts are battling down at the bottom. They are just above the relegation zone by a mere one point after 11 matches.
That said, Ipswich Town will take confidence from beating Tottenham last time out to record their first win since returning to the Premier League.
McKenna’s team must improve their home record to have any chance of survival this season. In five home matches, Ipswich have three draws and two losses.
Ruben Amorim will assume leadership of Manchester United, benefiting from the confidence instilled by interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Red Devils are undefeated in their last four matches across all competitions, securing victories against Leicester City (twice), PAOK, and a draw against Chelsea.
Amorim must improve a poor record on the road this season. Manchester United have secured just one away victory this season, a 3-0 triumph against Southampton. The visitors have not secured a victory in their last three away matches, and in their latest away encounter, they suffered a 2-1 defeat against West Ham United, where Jarrod Bowen successfully executed a contentious penalty for the Hammers.
Unsurprisingly, bookmakers with the best free bet offers available have listed the Red Devils as betting favourites for their Ipswich encounter. Despite a problematic away record this term, United have turned their luck around in recent games and have won three of their last four games.
Ipswich Town Squad Update: Kalvin Phillips is ineligible for Ipswich Town due to suspension, while Sam Morsy is one yellow card away from incurring a suspension.
Manchester United Squad Updates: Luke Shaw may return for United. Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have been training throughout the international break, which could enhance Manchester United’s left-back options for this weekend’s game.
Manchester United have found momentum in their performances despite the challenges surrounding their managerial predicament. The Red Devils have also already beaten promoted opposition in Southampton and Leicester this season.
Ipswich secured their first Premier League victory of the season at Tottenham Hotspur before the break. However, the hosts have not won a home game at Portman Road this season. Manchester United will also hope to continue their strong defensive record. The Red Devils are second for clean sheets behind Liverpool (five), while Andre Onana leads the Premier League Golden Glove race.
Expect a tight scoreline during this encounter, but one in which Amorim can impress the suits on his debut in the dugout and take three points back to Manchester.
Ipswich vs. Man Utd Best Bet: Man Utd Win @ 4/6 Ipswich vs. Man Utd Best Betting Value: Under 3.5 Goals @ 3/5 Ipswich vs. Man Utd Score Prediction: 0-1