After much anticipation, the time has finally come for Ruben Amorim to take charge of Manchester United as the Red Devils travel to face newly promoted Ipswich Town in Premier League action on Sunday.

The Portuguese manager had been tabbed for the job weeks ago but waited to take over for the departed Erik ten Hag until the end of the November international break. Now that club football has returned, he will begin his managerial spell.

Amorim called the job “bigger” than he even expected in his first press conference, calling himself a “dreamer” and saying “I believe in myself and I believe in the club.” Indeed he will need to dream if Man United are to challenge for European places this year, sitting 12th in the table with just 15 points from 11 matches.

Ipswich Town are in the midst of the relegation battle, securing their first win of the season just before the break as they upset Tottenham to find themselves 18th in the table.

MORE: Team news & predicted lineups for Ipswich Town vs. Man United

Ipswich Town vs. Man United prediction, odds

• Moneyline lean: Man United (-165 on BetMGM)
• Score prediction: Ipswich Town 1-3 Man United

Manchester United have many things on their side for this match. The new manager bounce is a real concept, and Man United players will be hoping to prove to their new boss they are worthy of a place in the side long-term.

Additionally, Amorim is just a better manager than Erik ten Hag, and will install in his side a confidence and belief the former manager didn’t possess. Finally, Ipswich Town are not defensively sound, needing to outscore opponents to get points which is an unsustainable approach.

Ipswich Town vs. Man United match facts

• Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
• Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. local (11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT)
• Location: Portman Road (Ipswich, England)
• Referee: Anthony Taylor, VAR: Jarred Gillett
• Last meeting: Man United 3-0 Ipswich Town (Sep. 23, 2015 | EFL Cup)

MORE: A complete guide to betting on soccer in the United States

Ipswich Town vs. Man United best bet

• Pick: Over 3.5 total goals
• Odds: +125 (BetMGM)

Ipswich Town’s whole identity is attack, attack, attack, which you don’t often see from newly promoted sides. It will eventually be their undoing, but it also makes for some highly entertaining matches. Ipswich Town have conceded two or more goals in four of their last six matches, and even when conceding just once in each of their last two games, Tottenham and Leicester City combined for 37 total shots.

Manchester United haven’t been the most efficient finishers in the Premier League this season, but under a new manager they could be a bit more focused. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town have been some of the most efficient in the league up front, and they could find a goal themselves to contribute to the total — especially considering United have conceded the second-highest expected goals per shot faced in the league, meaning they concede high-quality chances for the opposition.

Ipswich Town vs. Man United prop bet

See above.

Ipswich Town have conceded 17 or more shots to four of their last five opponents. The only one they did not was Everton, who scored two first-half goals and promptly sat on them. There’s no reason why Man United won’t go guns blazing in this game against weaker opposition.