by Ruben Amorim was full of praise for two Manchester United players after his first match in charge of the club.
The 39-year-old took his side to Ipswich in Sunday’s late Premier League kick-off but came away with just a point after a 1-1 draw at Portman Road.
Marcus Rashford had given the Red Devils a superb lead after collecting Amad Diallo’s cross following excellent work from the Ivorian, who was deployed as a winger in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
Omari Hutchinson, however, equalized for the hosts just before half-time after his brilliant strike was deflected off Noussair Mazraoui and past Andre Onana.
Amorim admitted his team sometimes looked “confused” at having to play a new system with limited time on the training pitch, acknowledging United “will have problems” as they adapt to his methods .
The United manager was nevertheless pleased with Mazraoui and Onana’s performances.
Mazraoui, a fullback by trade, operated in a central defensive position given the spate of injuries to United’s other options, including Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire.
Goalkeeper Onana, meanwhile, made a series of saves to prevent the hosts from taking the lead.
Asked about the defender, Amorim said: “We don’t have too many centre-backs so we have to adapt some players.
“I think Noussair Mazraoui did very well. He is so smart and is so important to us. He can play anywhere and this type of player is crucial for our future.”
Speaking about the result more generally, the United boss added: “We [could have got a] earn. We could lose, if we didn’t [for] Onana.
