Ruben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United manager began with a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town on Sunday in the Premier League.While the result may not have been ideal, the Portuguese coach could take solace in the standout performances of three African players in his starting lineup: André Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad Diallo.
Amad Diallo made an immediate impact, providing the assist for Marcus Rashford’s opening goal in just the second minute.
The Ivorian’s defensive improvement also caught Amorim’s attention.
“He was very good. In three days, he’s progressed so much defensively.
He stayed focused, tracked his opponent, and did a very good job,” Amorim said of the young winger.
Onana and Mazraoui Earn High Praise
Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana and Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui were the standouts, earning the highest ratings from the Manchester Evening News.
Onana was awarded an 8/10 for his stellar display, which included three crucial saves, while Mazraoui received a 7/10 for his composed performance in an unfamiliar role.
Despite conceding Ipswich’s equalizer, Onana’s heroics in goal ensured United avoided defeat. One of his most notable saves came when he denied Liam Delap with a stunning point-blank stop at 1-0.
“A goalkeeper is very important. He was there when we needed him. He was very good with the ball and didn’t just rely on long passes. It was a very good match,” Amorim remarked about Onana’s efforts.
Mazraoui, usually a full-back, was deployed as a central defender in Amorim’s three-man defense.
While unlucky to deflect Omari Hutchinson’s header for Ipswich’s goal, the Moroccan impressed with his intelligence and adaptability.
“We don’t have many central defenders, so we have to adapt some players. I think Noussair Mazraoui played very well.
He’s very intelligent and crucial for us. He can play anywhere, and this kind of player is vital for our future,” Amorim added.
A Promising Start for United’s African Contingent
While the draw leaves Manchester United in 12th place, Amorim’s debut offered a glimpse of promise, particularly from his African players.
Amad, Onana, and Mazraoui showcased their quality and importance to the team, providing a foundation for improvement.
United will hope to build on this performance when they face Bodo-Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday, with their African stars likely to play pivotal roles once again.
L’arrêt extraordinaire d’André Onana face à Liam Delap 😱#IPSMUN | #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/kPituJOaJA
— CANAL+ Foot (@CanalplusFoot) November 24, 2024
