Manchester United will be looking to combat their bad form when they take on Ipswich Town at Old Trafford in the Premier League encounter on Wednesday. We were extremely lucky to come away with a draw against Everton at the weekend, whilst our opponents were thrashed at home to Tottenham Hotspur edging them towards relegation.
The Red Devils final trip to Goodison Park saw us come from 2-0 down to snatch a point but was probably fortunate to get anything from the game. It was another underwhelming performance from Ruben Amorim’s side that we deserved to be down by two goals at half time. Everton could have had more before Bruno Fernandes fired us back into the game from the free kick.
Manuel Ugarte equalised minutes later to level the game. However, United escaped further when Ashley Young’s shirt being pulled by Matthijs De Ligt and Harry Maguire resulted in a penalty being awarded. Referee Andy Madley retracted his initial decision following a VAR review.
The draw still leaves United behind Everton in the table with West Ham victory over Arsenal meaning they drew level on points. It is a 12 point gap to the European qualification places, which we could potentially be without next season unless we win the FA Cup or Europa League. We have only scored one goal in the first half in our last 11 league games, which was in our 3-1 defeat to Brighton. Ruben Amorim has lost five out of the seven league games at home in that time.
The last meeting between both sides came back in 2015 during the League Cup. United did secure a record league victory back in 1995 beating Ipswich Town 9-0.
Manchester United Team News
For United, after naming a number of academy players for the bench against Tottenham, Ruben Amorim had more senior players available to him for the draw at Everton with Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro and Christian Eriksen back in the match day squad. Toby Collyer is expected to be not too far away from making his return.
However, we will not be seeing the likes of Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo or Luke Shaw just yet as they worked to recover from their injuries. First team players Amad Diallo and Lisandro Martinez are now missing for the rest of the season. With Amad’s absence, this will give the opportunity to Chido Obi, who had impressed off the bench at Goodison Park at the weekend.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
Onana;
Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire;
Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu;
Zirkzee, Obi, Fernandes.
Opposition Preview
Ipswich Town’s last win at Old Trafford was back in 1984 coming from behind to seal a 2-1 victory. Kieran McKenna’s side will be hoping to take all three points off the Red Devils to keep their hopes of Premier League survival alive. The relegation fears increased after losing 4-1 at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
With Wolves winning away at Bournemouth, it means the gap between both sides is now five points. It is expected that all three promoted teams will be heading back down to the Championship but there are still plenty of twists and turns to go before the season ends.
The Tractor boys are the only team in the Premier League not to pick a victory in their last six games. They picked up their only point in a surprise 1-1 draw against Aston Villa despite being down to 10 men. It’s their away form that is much better than their home one having secured ten points on the road.
Ipswich Town did take a point against United in the reverse fixture back in November which was Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge.
Ipswich Town Team News
The Tractor boys are facing more fresh injuries from the weekend’s defeat to Tottenham as both Kalvin Phillips and Jens Cajuste were forced off with calf and ankle injuries respectively. They are currently without Wes Burns for the rest of the season through a knee injury.
There is some good news that Conor Chaplin could potentially be back for the visit to Old Trafford. Sam Morsy and Sammie Szmodics made then return to the bench against Spurs so will push for a place in the starting eleven.
Former United defender Axel Tuanzebe is back in contention following his suspension and could possibly replace Ben Godfrey who struggled during the Tottenham game before being withdrawn.
Form Guide
Manchester United Premier League form: LWLLD
Manchester United form (all competitions): WLWLD
Ipswich Town Premier League form: LLLDL
Ipswich Town form (all competitions): LLWDL
Prediction
United are in dreadful form at this moment in time hardly producing any good football of note. Our form at home is not great either and we do not want to be on the end of another shock defeat. Ipswich Town have only kept one clean sheet away from home, so if the Red Devils find their shooting boots then we should come away with the points.
Manchester United 3-1 Ipswich Town