Manchester United have a new contender for key Ruben Amorim role after tactical switch at Ipswich

This wasn't the lift-off for the Ruben Amorim era Manchester United had hoped for, but the mitigation for a sometimes disjointed performance is pretty strong.

Amorim introduced a new formation after two training sessions with his full squad and attempted to up the intensity with a group of players who don't yet have the physical capabilities to sustain it for 90 minutes.

He was also trying to do all of that against a team superbly well-drilled by Kieran McKenna and one that is proving difficult to beat this season. Ipswich have now taken points off Brighton, Aston Villa, Tottenham, and United this season.

The brilliant first goal of the Amorim era after 81 seconds was both a sensational start and a high point. United finished the game strongly, but in between, they were pegged back for large periods and needed Andre Onana at his brilliant best to keep hold of a point.

ALSO READ: Ruben Amorim is working on United's three weaknesses with new warm-up drills

ALSO READ: Amorim reveals what Amad improved in only three days of a training at United

Amorim cut a frustrated figure on the touchline, but he was also proactive in trying to tilt the game back United's way. There was a double substitution after 56 minutes and another 12 minutes later when Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were introduced together.

That change saw Hojlund replace Marcus Rashford as the focal point of the attack, while Zirkzee took the position Fernandes had been playing as the right-sided No. 10. Fernandes dropped back to a deeper midfield role, which resulted in what was probably his best spell in the game.

This was a disappointing afternoon for Fernandes, with his revival under Ruud van Nistelrooy quickly petering out under his countryman. But