Five things you might have missed from Ruben Amorim's first match as Manchester United boss | OneFootball

Fresh start for forgotten star as Amorim fires media warning

Life at Manchester United under new manager Amorim began with Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town.

Instead, the Red Devils were unable to kick on, conceding a fine equaliser to Omari Hutchinson before the interval and ultimately failing to make a winning start under Amorim.

Here, Standard Sport looks back at five things you may have missed from Amorim’s first match in charge of Man United...

It was a mixed afternoon for Ruben Amorim

AP

Amorim composed… until his team conceded

The new head coach was cool, calm and collected when Rashford converted Amad Diallo’s cross to give United the lead after just a minute and 21 seconds. Amorim could be seen sipping from his water bottle and was virtually unmoved while his players celebrated their early goal.

He remained unemotive until Omari Hutchinson bent Ipswich’s equaliser into the top corner, at which point the Portuguese could be seen looking dejectedly at the ground before rubbing his face in frustration.

He was back to his poker-faced self at full-time, showing no facial expression when he shook the hand of Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna after the final whistle.

Zirkzee entered the fray in the 68th minute, replacing Chrisian Eriksen and coming onto the pitch at the same time Rasmus Hojlund replaced Rashford.

Before Zirkzee came on, though, he was spotted perched in the dugout being given detailed information by Amorim about where to play and what role to fulfil.

Amorim was animated as he gesticulated the actions he wanted to see from Zirkzee. The Dutchman made a positive contribution from the bench, but his manager was critical of his reluctance to get in the box late on, when speaking after the match.

Joshua Zirkzee was introduced off the bench

Bradley Collyer/PA Wire

Amorim will have been delighted to be able to call on Luke Shaw from the bench in the second half.

The Englishman has endured a nightmarish year due to injury, but his first league appearance for United since February was a huge step in the right direction.

Shaw played on the left of the back three after Jonny Evans had gone off, but is also adept at left wing-back, a position he has often played for England.

Start of a new chapter for Mason Mount?

Speaking about Mason Mount this week, Amorim was full of praise.

“I have to tell you I love that kid,” Amorim enthused. “You can look in his eyes that he wants this so bad. I know he was suffering from injuries, [but] we hope he can […] show all the talent that he showed at Chelsea.

Mount came on in the 86th minute against Ipswich, so hardly had a significant role, but there is a real feeling he can kick on under the new manager and make a success of his 2023 move to Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim’s arrival could be good news for Mason Mount

Bradley Collyer/PA Wire

Amorim asks for limit on his media commitments

Towards the end of his post-match interview with Sky Sports, host Kelly Cates thanked Amorim and warned him jokingly of the number of media commitments the Red Devils’ head coach role brings.

Amorim replied: “I want to say, this is the last time. This week I spoke more than in four years at Sporting. When you speak too much and you don’t win, it’s really hard for everybody.”