Overview
Manchester United are under pressure to get their first win in the Premier League when they host Ipswich Town after a 0-2 defeat to Hull City in the opening round.
This defeat continues to raise concerns about the competitiveness of the team under coach Michael Carrick, especially when both the attack and defense have not created peace of mind.
While Man United had a disappointing start, Ipswich had a positive debut when they defeated Sunderland 2-1. Coach Gary O'Neil's team is facing the opportunity to win both first 2 matches of the Premier League season for the fourth time in history. Conversely, Man United is at risk of losing both first 2 matches of a domestic season for the third time.
The schedule also creates a noteworthy point when Man United continuously meets two newly promoted teams. However, Carrick's record against Premier League newcomers is not positive, with 1 draw and 2 defeats in three encounters.
After an ineffective performance against Hull, Carrick may change the attack. Marcus Rashford is one of the starter candidates after creating 4 chances even though he only came on as a substitute in the opening match. Benjamin Sesko is also competing for a starting spot with Matheus Cunha.
Carlos Baleba is likely not to make his debut because he has not fully recovered from an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Ipswich is showing many positive signs. Seven new players were given the opportunity to start against Sunderland, while Jack Clarke came on from the bench and scored the decisive goal.
Emersonn also impressed when scoring in his Premier League debut, while Marcelino Nunez scored a double to help Ipswich defeat Leicester City 3-1 in the Carabao Cup in the middle of the week. These results help the away team gain more confidence before the trip to Old Trafford.
Head-to-head record
Man United has a basis to be confident when Ipswich visits Old Trafford. "The Red Devils" are unbeaten in the last 8 times they have hosted Ipswich in the Premier League, including winning all 4 recent matches with a total score of 18-2.
In their most recent meeting at Old Trafford in February 2025, Man United also won 3-2 in a dramatic match. Harry Maguire scored the decisive goal with a header in the second half, after Patrick Dorgu received a red card and the home team had to play with 10 men.
Ipswich has not won against Man United in the last 7 Premier League encounters, since the 3-2 home victory in September 1994. Notably, this streak has witnessed Ipswich's 0-9 defeat at Old Trafford in March 1995, one of the biggest wins in Premier League history.
However, past statistics will not be of much significance if Man United continues to show an ineffective face like in the defeat to Hull. Ipswich is in good spirits after the opening victory, so Old Trafford may witness a much more difficult test for Carrick and his players.
Score prediction: Man United 1-0 Ipswich Town
The match between Man United and Ipswich Town takes place at 10:30 PM on August 30 (Vietnam time).
