Jamie Carragher sends warning to Ruben Amorim over how Man Utd start could be 'ruined'
Many have tipped Ruben Amorim to restore Manchester United to the glory days they enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson - who won 13 Premier League trophies - but Jamie Carragher feels he could face a tough start
by Oli Gamp · The MirrorJamie Carragher has warned new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim that he could have his opening game "ruined" by Ipswich Town - despite many backing him to hit the ground running at Old Trafford.
Amorim is hoping to inspire a resurgence at United this season following his arrival from Sporting Lisbon, with the club in 13th place after their worst start to a Premier League campaign.
The Portuguese coach replaces Erik ten Hag, who was under constant scrutiny after a number of poor performances from his side. And many have tipped Amorim to restore United to the glory days they enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson - who won 13 Premier League trophies.
United fans will be confident Amorim can get off to the perfect start against the Tractor Boys - who have only won one game this season and are battling relegation - but Carragher feel it could be a tough day against Kieran McKenna's side on Sunday.
Carragher pointed out how McKenna knows many of the United players well after working as a coach at Old Trafford - saying it could add another "dimension" that risks "ruining" Amorim's opening game.
"Facing the side fourth from bottom might seem a gentle introduction to English football for Amorim, Carragher," said in his Daily Telegraph column. "My suspicion is it will be much trickier than many think.
"United are not just playing Ipswich at Portman Road. They face a manager who arguably knows more about the strengths and weaknesses within United’s squad than the new coach."
He pointed out the threat of McKenna on the touchline - with the manager one of United's primary managerial targets last summer and said he could help his Ipswich players pinpoint weaknesses in the United team.
"Kieran McKenna was at United until 2021 and many of those he worked with are still there. When the line-ups are announced and McKenna sees which players are adopting unfamiliar positions, it will add another dimension to how Ipswich will try to ruin Amorim’s opening day.
"McKenna – one of the coaches who was considered as a replacement for Erik ten Hag last summer before Amorim was on the agenda – is arguably the best-qualified in the league to make an immediate assessment as to whether some United players will be square pegs in round holes."
This weekend the spotlight will be firmly placed on Amorim - who has revealed that United was "the right club" for him when asked why he joined Old Trafford.
'I think it was the right club in the right moment for me, Amorin continued. 'I felt that this is my place. 'It was very tough to leave Sporting. Because in the middle of the season, you can say everything, it's Manchester United It's everything, it's the moment, it's the club that I want."
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