The new manager highlights the challenges of implementing his system, as United struggle to find fluidity in a 1-1 draw at Ipswich.

Ruben Amorim has cautioned that Manchester United will need to endure a “long period of suffering” before they can fully adapt to his managerial style after his first match in charge ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw at Ipswich.

Despite taking an early lead through Marcus Rashford’s second-minute goal, United were pegged back by Omari Hutchinson’s equaliser just before half-time. Amorim’s side failed to capitalise on their fast start, and their lack of cohesion was evident throughout the match. The team struggled to adapt to the tactical changes Amorim is trying to implement, notably his 3-4-2-1 formation, which demanded multiple positional shifts.

“We started very well, but then we should have had more possession,” Amorim reflected after the game. “We had the ball in defence, but the rest of the players were too stuck, thinking: ‘Where should I be?’ They need time to have some fluidity,” he added. The new head coach noted that, given the short time he had to work with his squad during the international break, the players’ unfamiliarity with the system was apparent.

Amorim expressed his belief that Manchester United’s current struggles were inevitable, given the drastic changes in tactical approach. “It’s hard for the players in three days to cope with everything,” he admitted. “We are changing so much in this moment, with a lot of games. We are going to suffer for a long period.”

A silver lining for the Portuguese coach was the performance of goalkeeper André Onana, who made several crucial saves to keep United in the game. Amorim acknowledged Onana’s contributions, stating, “We could have lost if it wasn’t for Onana.” Despite the frustration of the draw, Amorim urged patience, emphasising that the team would improve as they got more accustomed to his system.

“We will have a situation where you see a structure, and you will say: ‘It’s not fluid.’ But it is like taking steps,” Amorim said. “When they start thinking about the structure, they will play much better.”

For United fans, Amorim’s comments offer a sobering insight into the challenges of rebuilding a team in the midst of a demanding season. As Amorim continues to instil his methods, the hope is that the initial struggles will soon give way to a more coherent and fluid style of play.