Ipswich Town 1-1 Manchester United: Karl Fuller's verdict

It is a testament to yet another excellent performance that I left Portman Road on Sunday a tad disappointed that we did not take all three points.

But had we taken a point at Spurs and beaten Manchester United for the same four points, I would have been ecstatic and that is what my overriding feeling remained on Sunday night.

I was at Old Trafford the last time the two teams met on the day of November 24 (in 1993) when Town ground out a 0-0 draw. If I am honest, my pre-match thoughts this time were that taking another point would be a good result. I factored in a possible new manager bounce for United with Ruben Amorim taking charge for the first time.

New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim (second right) and his players leave the Portman Road field disappointed. (Image: PA)

The game was billed as being the most anticipated around the world for the weekend. The Portuguese man was at the forefront of the minds of the majority before kick-off, many wondering if he could make an immediate impact on his new charges. At the final whistle, little old Ipswich would have made the bigger impression for most. The small disappointment within me was another home game passing by without all three points. It could be argued that we could have won any of the four drawn games now.

The worst possible start was made and that could have transpired into a long evening for us. But we now have a team that is giving the opposition plenty to think about. We did not quite do enough to merit a win, but we most certainly could have done.

The same cannot be said of Untied. How average were they? Look, they still have and always will have one of the most massive names in world football. It is a huge responsibility on their shoulders to carry. The build-up and the excitement about having such a monumental name in town was justified. But I cannot recall a United side that has ever been so lacklustre.

Omari Hutchinson runs away from Manchester United midfielder Casemiro. (Image: Ross Halls)

Their goal was another avoidable one. But from then on, did they really hurt us? Omari Hutchinson’s goal was pure class. United required two smart saves from Andre Onana to avoid defeat.

Once again, we had some colossal performances to enjoy. At the back, Dara O’Shea continues to improve and was always comfortable. It is no coincidence that our last two results have come with Axel Tuanzebe returning from injury. One must ask, has he become Ipswich’s greatest-ever free signing? We must get him tied to a new long-term contract as soon as possible.

In midfield, Jens Cajuste just gets better, and as much as I am a fan of Kalvin Phillips, I see it as almost impossible now to drop the Swede. As for Sam Morsy, he was my player of the match. Small in stature, huge in tenacity and leadership. He bossed the midfield on Sunday. I agree with others, how has he not played in the Premier League until now? How Egypt continues to dismiss calling him up to their squad is a complete mystery.

Jens Cajuste put in another impressive midfield display. (Image: Ross Halls)

Yes, we had the excitement of Liverpool for our first Premier League game in 22 years to start the season. But Sunday, under the lights and taking a point from Manchester United, had a feel that we now really belong in this league. It felt big and we were not outclassed in any form. United travelled home the happier side I would guess.

But results on Saturday were not kind to us. We need to turn draws into wins. We have a semi-favourable run of games on the horizon where we have an opportunity to add to our win tally.

One act we can be sure of is this team will give everything to gain more wins. They are showing that they are a very capable outfit. We can be immensely proud of how we are faring to date, and of our journey under Kieran McKenna thus far.

Whilst very few will give us a chance of staying in this league at the end of the season, we know we will keep pushing to defy any such odds against us. We are in this fight for sure folks.

Onto Nottingham Forest who have made an exceptionally good start. The Tricky Trees can be felled though.