Manchester United have no time to linger on the opening-day defeat to Hull City. Michael Carrick’s side are back at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Ipswich Town next up and another chance to get the season taking off in the right direction.
Manchester United were beaten 2-0 at the MKM Stadium last Saturday after Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scored before half-time. Carrick changed things after the break, bringing on Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Benjamin Sesko, but United couldn’t find a way through Hull’s compact defence.
The mood should be different at Old Trafford, but the pressure will still be there. Manchester United are expected to beat a newly promoted side again, and anything less will only increase the scrutiny on Carrick and his players.
Man Utd team news and injuries
There are still several players missing for United.
Manuel Ugarte is facing a lengthy spell out with a knee injury, while Matthijs de Ligt is continuing his recovery after back surgery. Tom Heaton is also unavailable.
Amad Diallo has now added to Carrick’s concerns. The winger picked up an ankle injury in training before the Hull game and could be out for up to six weeks following initial scans.
There is some better news elsewhere.
Mason Mount could make his first appearance of the season after missing the Hull trip with a foot problem. He has since returned to training with the squad.
Benjamin Sesko is also available after coming off the bench last weekend. Whether Michael Carrick starts the forward this time will be one of the main talking points before kick-off.
Ipswich have their own injury list. Jack Taylor, Azor Matusiwa and Jaden Philogene are unavailable, while Florentino Luis remains a doubt. Julio Enciso, who went off against Sunderland with a cramp, is fine and available.
Gary O’Neil will be encouraged by the way his side started the season. Ipswich beat Sunderland 2-1 on August 22 and have won four of their last five matches.
That means United cannot afford another slow start, just like they did against Hull City.
Man Utd vs Ipswich head-to-head
Manchester United have the better record between the two clubs, winning 30 of their 59 meetings. Ipswich, meanwhile, have won 19, with the other 10 ending in a draw.
The recent results are even more favourable to Manchester United.
Ipswich have not beaten United in seven Premier League meetings, while United are unbeaten in their last eight home league games against them.
Ipswich’s last win over Manchester United came in a League Cup tie in October 1997. Their previous league meeting at Portman Road ended 1-1 in November 2024, while Manchester United won the return fixture at Old Trafford 3-2 in February 2025.
Another stat will be worth keeping in mind on Sunday. Manchester United have not lost a home league game when leading at half-time in their last 400 such matches, winning 365 and drawing 35. The last side to beat them from that position was, interestingly, Ipswich, back in May 1984.
The numbers favour United. So does home advantage. But after what happened at Hull, none of that will matter unless Carrick’s players perform.
Manchester United need to show they can respond to a setback.
