MARCUS RASHFORD got the Ruben Amorim era at Manchester United off to a great start by scoring after only 81 seconds.

Amorim’s side traveled to Ipswich for the first game in charge since the former Sporting Lisbon manager took control.

Marcus Rashford scored just 81 seconds into Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United.

Much had been made of Amorim’s intended conversion to a back three with wingbacks.

However, with only two natural centre-backs nominated to the starting XI for the Ipswich match, there were concerns about how it would work.

However, those concerns were removed as right wing-back Amad Diallo broke past the Tractor Boys defense and into the penalty area.

He then blasted a ball into the penalty box, finding Rashford, who was playing as a centre striker.

The 27-year-old then sidefooted the ball into the net with a delicate touch past goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.

SunSport have looked at how Rashford may find his scoring touch under Amorim as a center striker or on the left side of the front three.

Amorim and his coaches were vindicated early on when they chose to play him over Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee.

Before the game against Ipswich, Rashford had only scored once in the Premier League, against Southampton in September.

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He had three more in the Europa League and League Cup, although he had mostly been asked to play a more creative position, which had resulted in three assists in all competitions.

Rashford’s shift to centre-forward puts him in more dangerous positions, allowing him to have the most decisive impact on the game.

Diogo Dalot lined up at left wing-back, while Jonny Evans, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui were picked as the three centre-backs.

Christian Eriksen and Casemiro were the two central midfielders in the system, with Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho serving as the two 10s behind Rashford.

However, following the score, United failed to match Ipswich throughout the game.

Andre Onana was in excellent form, keeping Liam Delap at bay from close range either side of half-time.

But he couldn’t stop Omari Hutchinson’s long-range shot, which deflected off Mazraoui and looped into the top corner.

Despite second-half changes that included Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, and Mason Mount, the Red Devils had little chance of scoring against Ipswich.

Man United ratings vs. Ipswich: Onana saves Amorim from shame in debut game as boss.

Manchester United began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.

Marcus Rashford scored the Red Devils’ first goal at Portman Road in just 81 seconds, converting an Amad Diallo cross.

But Ipswich responded when Omari Hutchinson’s effort deflected off Noussair Mazraoui.

In the second half, it appeared like the newly promoted side would emerge victorious.

Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett viewed Manchester United players’ performances…

ANDRE ONANA – 7/10.

United’s top player. Two crucial saves to deny Liam Delap, but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal.

Then he made an 87th-minute stop to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin.

NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 5.

I was slotted in on the right side of the three-man defence, but the goal deflection was unfortunate.

MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5.

Has been suspect this season and will likely be better suited to a back three, despite being given a hard time by Delap.

Jonathan Evans – 5

Ipswich targeted the 36-year-old for his lack of pace, so it’s no surprise that he was replaced.

AMAD DIALLO – 6

Did an excellent job of rushing past Jens Cajuste and delivering the cross for Rashford’s early goal, but gave little else.

Christian Eriksen – 5.

Some excellent touches moving forward, but too light in this position in front of the back three.

CASEMIRO – 4

I was fortunate to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte, despite being really terrible.

Struggled throughout until being substituted, and could have blocked Hutchinson’s shot.

DIOGO DALOT – 5.

Not suited to left wing-back, but remained there after Luke Shaw replaced Evans in the back three.

BRUNO FERNANDES – 5

Some of his link-up play was good, but United require a captain who can motivate the team, and Fernandes is not that person.

With 12 minutes remaining, he sent a free kick that flashed past the post.

ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5

Ruben Amorim called over twice in the first half for advice.

Aro Muric made a solid save 50 seconds into the second half.

MARCUS RASHFORD – 6

Criticized for his basketball trip to New York, scoring after 80 seconds was a two-finger salute to his critics – but he didn’t provide much else.

Subs

Ugarte (for Casemiro after 56 minutes) – 6

Shaw (for Evans 56 minutes) – 6

Hojlund (for Rashford, 67 minutes) – 5

Zirkzee (for Eriksen, 67 minutes) – 5

Mount (for Garnacho in 87 minutes) – 5

Match Stats