Premier League: Man United held at Ipswich as Amorim reign begins

Ruben Amorim was given a stark illustration of the size of his task at Manchester United after his uninspiring team were held 1-1 by struggling Ipswich in his first match in charge on Sunday.

The former Sporting Lisbon boss -- the latest man tasked with restoring the club to the top of English football -- spoke before kick-off about the need to be "patient".

But he had barely settled in his seat at a blustery Portman Road before Marcus Rashford turned in Amad Diallo's inviting cross, stunning the home crowd.

Ipswich, who started the day in the relegation zone, battled back, earning the equaliser they deserved through Omari Hutchinson just before half-time.

Neither side could find a winner in the second period despite chances at both ends, with the result leaving both managers unsatisfied.

United are a lowly 12th in the Premier League, six points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, while Ipswich are still in the drop zone.

Amorim, who cut an animated figure on the touchline, said his players were guilty of over-thinking during the game against Kieran McKenna's men.

"I think my players were thinking too much," he told Sky Sports. "We lost some balls without pressure. But they really, really tried and they want this."

He added: "This week I spoke more (to the media) than I did in four years at Sporting. I just want to work with my players. Nothing more."

Before kick-off two United fans held up a home-made sign saying: "Good luck Ruben Amorim, Make our team great again."

The Portuguese, who replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag, made three changes from the final line-up named by United's interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy before the international break.

And he changed his formation to play three at the back as widely expected, with England forward Rashford operating as a lone central striker ahead of captain Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho.

United were ahead within two minutes when Diallo surged down the right, shrugging off the attentions of Leif Davis and Jens Cajuste to whip in a cross that Rashford touched home from close range.

Amorim, wearing a black coat and dark trousers, remained impassive in his seat as United's players celebrated in the corner.

Christian Eriksen flashed wide from just outside the box in the seventh minute after more incisive work from Diallo.

But Ipswich responded well, creating openings of their own and looking the more dangerous team as the half wore on.

The home side should have been level in the 40th minute but Andre Onana somehow kept out a close-range effort from Liam Delap with a strong right hand before Cajuste flashed over the bar.

Ipswich got the equaliser they deserved just before half-time when Hutchinson hit a stinging shot that skimmed off the head of Noussair Mazraoui and beyond the diving Onana.

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