Man Utd held by Ipswich

The result leaves the Red Devils 12th in the EPL

IPSWICH:

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 Portuguese -- 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.

The former Sporting Lisbon boss, 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.