And breathe.
Why does it feel as though Man Utd always secure points in the most ridiculous manner?
In a remarkable first-half that had a sending off, four goals and a calamitous goalkeeping error from Andre Onana, Man Utd found themselves level at the break and a man down after Patrick Dorgu’s high challenge on Omari Hutchinson.
Despite Man Utd looking comfortable for most of the first half with Alejandro Garnacho and Patrick Dorgu linking up well, a horror end to the half saw Dorgu sent off and Ipswich Town scoring 30 seconds later.
Man Utd’s resilience must be credited, first by coming from behind to lead 2-1 after Onana’s error and then showing huge character to score in the second half and see the game out with a back-to-the-wall defensive performance.
There was lots to soak in from another action-packed 90 minutes, here are five things we learnt:
1) Set-piece goals a welcome surprise
Ruben Amorim previously joked of Man Utd taking up an ‘intensive course’ on set-pieces, whilst it may have gone slightly under the radar, the Red Devils have become better at defending them after conceding a lot since Amorim’s arrival and they’re now scoring from them too.
There is a good amount of tall players in this team to aim for when it comes to dead ball situations: Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Josh Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund.
Three goals scored from set-pieces with the aim of targeting Harry Maguire worked crucially. Especially in the second half when it looked like Man Utd were bereft of ideas down to 10 men and the Garnacho-Dorgu axis off the pitch.
2) Heroic second half defensive performance
Whilst this season has been nothing short of dreadful, in trying circumstances it was encouraging to see Man Utd dig in and defend with their lives in the second half to hold what they have.
Whilst the tactic of going for a mid/low block may have seemed like the obvious option after Dorgu’s red, it meant there wasn’t much of an outlet.
Henceforth, Man Utd had no choice but to defend for 45 minutes and defended resolutely.
Amorim bemoaned the lack of intensity at Goodison Park, there was none of that today as every player defended with their lives for three points.
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3) Questionable Andre Onana performance
When Andre Onana first arrived at Man Utd, many championed the transfer as more of a progressive move to a goal keeper who can pick out a pass and isn’t afraid to come off his line.
Though the Cameroonian had a shaky start to life at Old Trafford he eventually found his feet.
It feels as though he is back on shaky, volatile form.
For the first goal, there was no reason for him to come off his line and for the second one, he reacted far too slowly to a cross coming in.
What is worrying for Ruben Amorim is this isn’t the first Onana performance recently where the former Inter keeper has looked shaky, against Everton he parried two shots that led to the goals.
When Altay Bayandir returns from injury, Onana may well be in a competition for the number one spot.
4) Garnacho sub blew up in Amorim’s face
Perhaps it’s indicative of the luck Amorim has had since becoming Man Utd manager, but the minute Alejandro Garnacho was subbed off to accommodate for Dorgu’s red, Man Utd conceded.
Though they were able to protect their lead, taking off your best outlet in front of goal was a recipe for disaster.
Obviously the trying circumstances of going down to ten men was the clear reason for taking Garnacho off, but out of him and Rasmus Hojlund at the moment, Garnacho is a much more effective attacker.
There may have been more question marks around how early the change was made had Man Utd not won.
5) Vital confidence-boosting three points
It feels like an age since Man Utd won a premier league game at Old Trafford.
The last victory at the stadium was a month ago on the 16th of Janaury.
Bar performances vs Liverpool and Arsenal there has not been many moments to celebrate under Amorim.
Whilst some may say a victory over Ipswich Town isn’t too much to shout about, the mood, form and confidence of the team has been on the floor.
With the win, Man Utd can finally say they’re closer to the top four spots than the relegation battle.
It’s a harsh reality, but something Man Utd fans around the world have to accept in a dreadful season. Nonetheless a win is a win no matter the circumstances.
The hope is now, that Man Utd can replicate some of the football from the first half in the remainder of the Premier League games and still go on a good run in both cup competitions.
Though the league position may feel like there is nothing to play for, it is critical the team continues to pick up wins for the players to believe in the system.
With Fulham visiting Old Trafford on Sunday in the FA Cup, Amorim and Man Utd fans will be hoping the players can show the same character they displayed in the second half to beat the London club.
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