Manchester United go face Ipswich Town for Sunday, and di match don become big test for Michael Carrick. Na so di two teams start dia Premier League campaign with different results: Ipswich beat Sunderland 2-1 for Portman Road, while United lose 2-0 to Hull City afta dem concede two goals from set pieces.
Gary O’Neil, wey be Ipswich coach, reveal say im make one significant defensive adjustment for di game against Sunderland. Im choose Dara O’Shea as right-back, even though di Republic of Ireland international na central defender by trade. Di official team announcement show say O’Shea start alongside Issa Diop and Jacob Greaves, so Ipswich get three physically imposing defenders across dia back four.
Di decision no be accident. According to The Guardian, O’Neil want additional height to handle set pieces. “To have three centre-half types in your back four helps us from set pieces, size-wise,” im talk. So Ipswich go be difficult to break down for Old Trafford, and dem also get extra aerial threat for corners and free-kicks.
Hull City show how set pieces fit hurt United. Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy both score from dead-ball situations during Hull 2-0 win. Carrick side struggle to clear di ball, and Peter Schmeichel don question di defending of Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven. Hull coach Sergej Jakirović even talk say im side identify opportunity to exploit United organisation before di match.
Now, Ipswich go come with similar plan. O’Neil already value physical strength for set pieces, and United just show dem fit be vulnerable. Gary Neville don also call for United to strengthen dia defence, wey add more pressure on Carrick. Di challenge no stop for defending. Hull limit United ability to create clear chances, even though Carrick side get 21 attempts. Another organised defence with O’Shea, Diop and Greaves fit give United similar wahala if dem rely too much on hopeful deliveries.
Benjamin Sesko fit provide stronger physical presence after im come from bench for Hull. As ReadManUtd latest Ipswich injury update explain, di striker go get more time to build fitness for full week of training. Ipswich no just dey dangerous for set pieces. Sky Sports match report show say Emersonn score for dia win over Sunderland, and substitute Jack Clarke score late winner. So Sunday fixture na more than opportunity for Carrick to respond to Hull defeat. E go show whether United fit solve di physical and structural problems wey another newly promoted opponent fit use.
