Ruben Amorim hails ‘smart and crucial’ Manchester United star after Ipswich draw
Ruben Amorim has warned his Manchester United players that they will ‘suffer’ (Optus Sport) Ruben Amorim believes Noussair Mazraoui will play a ‘crucial’ role in his Manchester United side following their 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town on Sunday. Amorim got off to the perfect start in his first game as United manager with Marcus Rashford putting the team in front after just two minutes at Portman Road. However, United required an excellent point-blank save from Andre Onana to stay in front, before Omari Hutchinson’s long-range strike, which deflected off the top of Mazraoui’s head, found the top corner to equalise for Ipswich. Mazraoui played as a right-back under Erik ten Hag following his €20 million (£17.2m) move from Bayern Munich in the summer, but in Amorim’s first game, the Morocco international played next to Matthijs de Ligt on the right side of a back three. The 27-year-old delivered an impressive performance at Portman Road and Amorim believes the defender will play a key role at United this season. ‘Mazraoui is so smart,’ Amorim told Premier League Productions. ‘I think Mazraoui is so important for us, he can play anywhere. That kind of player is so crucial for our future.’ Ruben Amorim says Noussair Mazraoui is ‘so crucial’ for Manchester United (PA) Speaking in his post-match press conference, Amorim also warned that his players are likely to ‘suffer’ this season due to the change in system from Ten Hag’s reign. ‘I know it’s frustrating for the fans but we are changing so much in this moment, with a lot of games,’ Amorim said. ‘We are going to suffer for a long period and try to win games, this will take time. We could win but we could also lose if not for Onana. ‘But we have to think and be pragmatic about these guys had two days to train and change so much.’ Roy Keane says Manchester United do not have enough quality to finish in the top four (PA) Meanwhile, Roy Keane believes United’s squad lack the quality required to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League this season. The draw against Ipswich has left United 12th in the Premier League table, six points behind fourth-placed Arsenal. ‘We saw the shape of the team but it is the same players and the same problems,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘We talk about leopards and spots. Lack of goals and a lack of quality in the second half. Ipswich looked the better team. It’s his first game. A lot to take in and it has been a mental week for him [Amorim] but ultimately he will be disappointed. ‘This team, for the last year or two, has been all about moments. United sat back and you’re thinking, ‘What are you waiting for? Go after them!’. ‘They seemed fearful to go on and win the game. They lacked the confidence and belief. Do I believe they have the quality to get them back to the top four? Absolutely not. The evidence is not there. It’s the same old stuff. Predictable and a real lack of quality.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Ruben Amorim believes Noussair Mazraoui will play a ‘crucial’ role in his Manchester United side following their 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town on Sunday.
Amorim got off to the perfect start in his first game as United manager with Marcus Rashford putting the team in front after just two minutes at Portman Road.
However, United required an excellent point-blank save from Andre Onana to stay in front, before Omari Hutchinson’s long-range strike, which deflected off the top of Mazraoui’s head, found the top corner to equalise for Ipswich.
Mazraoui played as a right-back under Erik ten Hag following his €20 million (£17.2m) move from Bayern Munich in the summer, but in Amorim’s first game, the Morocco international played next to Matthijs de Ligt on the right side of a back three.
The 27-year-old delivered an impressive performance at Portman Road and Amorim believes the defender will play a key role at United this season.
‘Mazraoui is so smart,’ Amorim told Premier League Productions.
‘I think Mazraoui is so important for us, he can play anywhere. That kind of player is so crucial for our future.’
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Amorim also warned that his players are likely to ‘suffer’ this season due to the change in system from Ten Hag’s reign.
‘I know it’s frustrating for the fans but we are changing so much in this moment, with a lot of games,’ Amorim said.
‘We are going to suffer for a long period and try to win games, this will take time. We could win but we could also lose if not for Onana.
‘But we have to think and be pragmatic about these guys had two days to train and change so much.’
Meanwhile, Roy Keane believes United’s squad lack the quality required to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.
The draw against Ipswich has left United 12th in the Premier League table, six points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.
‘We saw the shape of the team but it is the same players and the same problems,’ he told Sky Sports.
‘We talk about leopards and spots. Lack of goals and a lack of quality in the second half. Ipswich looked the better team. It’s his first game. A lot to take in and it has been a mental week for him [Amorim] but ultimately he will be disappointed.
‘This team, for the last year or two, has been all about moments. United sat back and you’re thinking, ‘What are you waiting for? Go after them!’.
‘They seemed fearful to go on and win the game. They lacked the confidence and belief. Do I believe they have the quality to get them back to the top four? Absolutely not. The evidence is not there. It’s the same old stuff. Predictable and a real lack of quality.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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