Jamie Carragher names problem Ruben Amorim faces in first game as Man Utd boss

Aston Villa v Sheffield United - Premier League
Jamie Carragher says ‘it will be much trickier than many think’ (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool legend and football pundit Jamie Carragher has named a big problem for Ruben Amorim in his first game as Manchester United boss.

Amoirm, who has replaced Erik ten Hag after leaving Sporting Lisbon, takes charge of the Red Devils on Sunday as they travel to Ipswich Town.

The Portuguese manager will be hoping to make a strong start and get the fans on his side but Carragher thinks United could be in a tough afternoon.

The ex-Liverpool defender believes it could be a big problem for Amorim that Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna knows many of the United players well after previously working as a coach at Old Trafford.

Ahead of this weekend’s clash in Suffolk, Carragher told The Telegraph: ‘Facing the side fourth from bottom might seem a gentle introduction to English football for Amorim.

‘My suspicion is it will be much trickier than many think. United are not just playing Ipswich at Portman Road.

‘They face a manager who arguably knows more about the strengths and weaknesses within United’s squad than the new coach.

Ruben Amorim First Interview at Manchester United
Ruben Amorim’s side face a trip to Suffolk (Picture: Getty)

‘Kieran McKenna was at United until 2021 and many of those he worked with are still there.

‘When the line-ups are announced and McKenna sees which players are adopting unfamiliar positions, it will add another dimension to how Ipswich will try to ruin Amorim’s opening day.

‘McKenna – one of the coaches who was considered as a replacement for Erik ten Hag last summer before Amorim was on the agenda – is arguably the best-qualified in the league to make an immediate assessment as to whether some United players will be square pegs in round holes.’

Ipswich were promoted from the Championship to the Premier League last season and have only won one of their opening 11 top-flight fixtures.

The Tractor Boys are still a top side, though, and currently sit outside of the relegation zone having scored the same amount of goals as United (12) so far this term.

Liam Delap has particularly impressed for Ipswich, producing six goals and an assist across 11 games.

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