On paper, Ruben Amorim will start his Manchester United managerial career against a promoted team that has just one win in the league in 11 league games.
In reality, that one win came in their last game, away at Tottenham, are managed by one of England’s most exciting coaches in Kieran McKenna, and are driven to build on their momentum.
More importantly, it’s a home game for Ipswich Town and they know that with this being Ruben Amorim’s first game as Man Utd manager, the eyes of the world will be on them.
Sunday 24th November
Premier League
Ipswich
17:30
Man Utd
They’ve already faced Liverpool and Manchester City, but the scrutiny that comes with United is unmatched across England so the stage is set for them to do a giant killing.
To add importance to the situation (as if it needed any!), Ipswich Town CEO Mark Ashton has raised the stakes further.
Mark Ashton on hosting Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd
It used to be the case under Sir Alex Ferguson that opposition teams would mark the date against Man Utd on their calendars because any game involving United automatically became a marquee.
The success might have turned away from the club after his retirement, but the brand of Man Utd remains as strong as ever.
That’s even truer for a club like Ipswich, who were last seen in the Premier League in 2001/02 when Sir Alex was tussling with Arsene Wenger in a feisty title battle.
Ipswich’s CEO, Mark Ashton, recently went on TalkSport and raised the stakes for the game, comparing the charm of United to Liverpool and City, clear in his mind as to who’s the biggest.
He said [via East Anglian Daily Times]: “Our opening game of the season was Liverpool at home. We thought that was big. We then went away to Man City in the second game. We thought that was big.
“This is going to be huge. The eyes of the world are upon us on and off the pitch. It’s a chance for us to be the best version of ourselves and show Ipswich as a club, a town, and a community to the world. That’s the platform that the Premier League gives you.
“I’m also buzzing for Kieran [McKenna] to be given the opportunity to pit his wits against his former club.”
Ipswich’s motivation means trouble for Ruben Amorim
First off, it goes without saying that any opposition that faces Man Utd knows they have more eyeballs on them than any other game so they bring out their best.
However, this game is unique because not only is this Ipswich’s best league meeting vs United in the league for more than two decades, the attention on this game will be even higher than usual.
Ruben Amorim’s first Man Utd training sessions were scrutinised endlessly, so there are no prizes for guessing how the coverage will be for his first game.
In such a situation, there is a clear motivation for the underdogs to spoil the party and Ashton’s comments indicate that’s a role The Tractor Boys are relishing.
Jose Mourinho once riled up his players against Man City by urging them to not be “clowns” in City’s title celebrations and the result was a second-half comeback that delayed it.
McKenna has worked under Jose Mourinho and this time, his team is being pegged as the clowns!
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