Ruben Amorim’s first game as Manchester United boss ended in a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday.
The start was just what the Portuguese would have wanted with Marcus Rashford handing the visitors the lead within 90 seconds. But after that it was all Ipswich and the Red Devils were lucky in the end to escape with a point.
The hosts created the better chances and if not for Andre Onana, the Tractor Boys could have scored three and on first viewing, quite a few of United’s underperforming stars are not fit for purpose.
With Manuel Ugarte being the last to return from international duty and Kobbie Mainoo yet to regain full fitness, the head coach had no choice but to start with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in the middle of the park.
Midfield struggles
Both the Brazilian and Dane struggled to track back and the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss has made it clear that he wants his players to be able to handle the intensity of his demands.
And according to Premier League legend Alan Shearer, Amorim will struggle as long as both of United’s starting midfielders are still at the club.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said, “For a start, he’s got injuries in midfield, hasn’t he? I mean, he played Casemiro and Eriksen.
“It would be nigh on impossible for those two to do what he wants in terms of the press and the high energy and the sprint and the running and everything else.”
Casemiro-Eriksen combo does not work
The former Real Madrid superstar brought up his 100th appearance for United on Sunday, and apart from his debut campaign, the 32-year-old has not looked the part since his high-profile move in 2022.
Casemiro struggled while running back and lost possession seven times while making only one tackle before eventually being replaced by Manuel Ugarte in the 56th minute. The Uruguayan had a far greater impact on the game as compared to his South American compatriot.
The former Tottenham Hotspur star fared little better, and the usual passmaster managed to complete only 80 per cent of his passes while losing the ball on as many as 10 occasions.
The duo earn a combined £500,000 a week and United will be better served moving them on in January while recouping a decent fee and getting their humongous wages off the books.
Feature image Stephen Pond via Getty Images
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
