Manchester United’s meeting with Ipswich Town could present Michael Carrick with another difficult tactical challenge after Gary O’Neil revealed the thinking behind a significant defensive adjustment against Sunderland.
Ipswich began their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 victory at Portman Road, while United were beaten 2-0 by Hull City after conceding twice from set pieces.
Those contrasting results make Sunday’s Man Utd vs Ipswich fixture particularly important for Carrick, whose side must show they have addressed the weaknesses exposed during their opening defeat.
Man Utd vs Ipswich brings familiar aerial concern
O’Neil selected Dara O’Shea at right-back against Sunderland despite the Republic of Ireland international usually operating as a central defender.
Ipswich’s official team announcement confirmed O’Shea started alongside centre-backs Issa Diop and Jacob Greaves, giving the visitors three physically imposing defenders across their back four.
The decision was not accidental.
The Guardian reported that O’Neil specifically wanted additional height to handle the growing importance of set pieces.
“To have three centre-half types in your back four helps us from set pieces, size-wise,” he explained.
That approach could make Ipswich difficult to break down at Old Trafford while also providing them with additional aerial threats whenever they win a corner or free-kick.
Hull defeat exposed Manchester United’s set-piece vulnerability
Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy both scored from dead-ball situations during Hull’s victory over United on Saturday.
Carrick’s side struggled to deal with the deliveries into their penalty area, and Peter Schmeichel subsequently questioned the defending of Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven.
Hull manager Sergej Jakirović also indicated that his side had identified an opportunity to exploit United’s organisation before the match.
That creates an obvious concern ahead of Man Utd vs Ipswich. O’Neil already values physical strength at set pieces, and United have just demonstrated how vulnerable they can become when opponents target those situations.
Gary Neville has also called for United to strengthen their defence, highlighting the wider questions surrounding Carrick’s options.
Benjamin Sesko could give Carrick a different solution
The challenge for United will also extend to the opposite penalty area.
Hull limited United’s ability to create clear central opportunities despite Carrick’s side registering 21 attempts. Another organised defence containing O’Shea, Diop and Greaves could present similar problems if United rely too heavily on hopeful deliveries.
Benjamin Sesko may offer a stronger physical presence after appearing from the bench at Hull.
As ReadManUtd’s latest Ipswich injury update explains, the striker should have a clearer opportunity to rebuild his fitness during a full week of training.
Ipswich also carry a threat beyond set pieces. Sky Sports’ match report documented their opening victory against Sunderland, with Emersonn scoring before substitute Jack Clarke struck a late winner.
Sunday’s fixture therefore offers Carrick more than an opportunity to respond to the Hull defeat. It will indicate whether United can solve the physical and structural problems that another newly promoted opponent has every reason to examine.
