Manchester United are aiming for an increasingly rare moment of respite on Wednesday evening when they host relegation-threatened Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are without victory in their last three league matches and have slumped to 15th in the standings – closer to the relegation zone than the top five. They showed character in their weekend draw at Everton as they came from two goals behind but they can’t rely on long-range strikes and VAR interventions every week.
Ruben Amorim kicked off his reign with a draw against Ipswich and simply must improve on that result at Old Trafford midweek. While injuries continue to cause the Portuguese issues, he can’t hide behind fitness issues for much longer.
Here is how United could line up against Ipswich.
GK: Andre Onana – The Cameroon international was hung out to dry by his defenders at Goodison Park, blameless in the two goals United conceded during a dismal first half. Will expect (hope) for a quiet evening at home to one of the league’s lowest scorers.
CB: Leny Yoro – Yoro was introduced from the bench for the injured Noussair Mazraoui at the weekend, with the Moroccan potentially missing out on Wednesday. The teenager could come into the XI to help battle the powerful Liam Delap.
CB: Harry Maguire – Speed has never been Maguire’s greatest attribute and the 31-year-old was too sluggish mentally and physically as Everton scored their second on Saturday. He needs to sharpen up against an Ipswich side who have scored in their last five fixtures.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt – De Ligt’s United career has been largely underwhelming but Amorim has limited alternatives given Lisandro Martinez’s season-ending injury.
RM: Diogo Dalot – The Portuguese is one of those fighting for his place at Old Trafford amid the expectation of a summer overhaul of the playing squad. He’s yet to look convincing in the wide midfield role.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – Ugarte’s exquisite volley handed United their point at the weekend and Amorim will be pleased to have the Uruguayan’s energy in midfield.
CM: Bruno Fernandes – Fernandes was more effective in a deeper function against Everton, allowing him more opportunities to receive possession and start attacks. A fine free kick began the comeback on Merseyside and the Red Devils will need their creative talisman against Ipswich.
LM: Patrick Dorgu – Dorgu was arguably United’s strongest performer during the draw against the Toffees, causing constant issues with his marauding runs up the left flank. Only Fernandes boasted more touches than the winter signing.
RF: Joshua Zirkzee – It’s been a frustrating few matches for Zirkzee as he continues to struggle in red, but a lack of attacking options following Amad Diallo’s injury layoff means another chance is highly likely.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – The £72m forward has been anonymous at best over the past few weeks and is chasing a first goal since mid-December. A leaky Ipswich backline should off him encouragement but confidence in Hojlund is at an all-time low.
LF: Alejandro Garnacho – No matter his flaws, Garnacho is undoubtedly one of the few current United players capable of offering a much-needed spark. He helped shift the momentum from the bench at the weekend.
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