Paul Merson expects Ruben Amorim to secure a victory in his first match in charge of Manchester United this weekend.

The Red Devils face relegation-threatened Ipswich Town and, writing in his Sportskeeda column, Merson said that he thinks the away side will come out on top at Portman Road:

“It’s a good first game to be in charge if you’re Ruben Amorim, but it’s also a dangerous game and I’lI tell you why. Manchester United cannot lose this game, that would be catastrophic. But if they win, people are going to be like, ‘it’s only Ipswich, of course you had to win’.”

“This is certainly a tough game for United. I’m backing them to win but I don’t think it will be easy. Amorim will want to play three at the back, this is a good game to test that out. Even though I feel United will win against Ipswich, I have a sneaky feeling about this game.”

What score has Merson predicted?

The Sky Sports pundit believes United will secure a narrow 2-1 win on Sunday, which is a scoreline that will please supporters.

Ipswich have caused trouble against more fancied opponents. It shouldn’t be forgotten that they beat Tottenham away from home just before the international break so Amorim will feel that any sort of victory is a good result.

Ipswich v Manchester United team news

Leny Yoro looks set to be named in the matchday squad for the first time, having been withdrawn from the Under 21 side to face Altrincham earlier this week.

Kobbie Mainoo is also back fit and available. The midfielder has been out of contention since the draw against Aston Villa last month.

Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia all remain on the sidelines while there are slight doubts about Lisandro Martinez’s fitness. The defender has a back problem.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here