Before getting into the detailed prediction for this match, let's take a brief look at how Manchester United have performed in their first home game of each Premier League season.
The Premier League era began in the 1992/93 season, and Manchester United lost 0-3 to Everton in their first home match at the Theatre of Dreams that campaign.
However, following that shock defeat, the Red Devils regained their form and went on to win the inaugural Premier League title in club history. Interestingly, statistics show that after that 0-3 defeat to Everton in their first home game of the Premier League era, Old Trafford became an extremely reliable fortress for United.
Across 27 first home matches of new Premier League seasons, Manchester United have won 20 and suffered just one further defeat, against Swansea in 2014.
This is worth mentioning because the clash with Ipswich represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Michael Carrick's side to make another strong start to the new season.
It is also worth emphasizing that Manchester United have lost just once in their last 13 Premier League matches at Old Trafford, drawing three and winning nine, including a run of three consecutive home victories.
However, during that run, the Red Devils' defense has repeatedly been breached, with United keeping only three clean sheets.
Therefore, Manchester United need to be more cautious against Ipswich. Carrick will also need to tighten up the defense and midfield, provide more service to the attacking players and transition quickly between defense and attack.
That's because Ipswich are currently in extremely impressive form.
Gary O'Neil's side have won all six of their matches across all competitions and were particularly difficult to beat away from home in the Championship last season, losing just once, drawing three and winning four of their last eight away games.
Head-to-Head Record
Manchester United have dominated the historical head-to-head record across 59 meetings, winning 30 times, while Ipswich have recorded 19 victories and the two sides have drawn on 10 occasions.
In the Premier League alone, the teams have met 12 times, with Manchester United winning six, drawing four and losing just two.
Furthermore, United are unbeaten in their last six Premier League meetings with Ipswich, recording five wins and one draw.
Latest Team News
There is positive news for Manchester United, with both Amad Diallo and Mason Mount potentially returning this weekend. Their availability would give manager Michael Carrick more options in attack.
However, Carlos Baleba, Tom Heaton, Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte are all expected to remain sidelined due to injuries.
For Ipswich, Florentino and Azor Matusiwa are also expected to miss the match for similar reasons.
Predicted Lineups: Manchester United vs Ipswich
- Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Andrey Santos, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha.
- Ipswich (4-2-3-1): Walton; Furlong, O'Shea, Kipré, Ouattara; Humphreys, Walle Egeli; McAteer, Nunez, Clarke; Akpom.
In-Depth Statistical Analysis
- Both teams to score: 3 of Manchester United's last 4 matches, 8 of their last 12 Premier League games, and 11 of Ipswich's last 15 matches excluding friendlies have ended with both teams finding the net.
- Goals late in the first half: There has been at least one goal between the 20th and 45th minutes in each of the last four meetings between the two sides, as well as in 6 of Manchester United's last 9 Premier League matches. In addition, 7 of Ipswich's last 10 competitive matches have featured at least one goal during the final 25 minutes of the first half.
- Plenty of cards: There have been 12 cards in the last three meetings between the teams, averaging 4 cards per game. Manchester United's last eight Premier League matches have produced 32 cards, also averaging 4 per game, while Ipswich's last 10 competitive matches have seen 41 cards, an average of 4.1 per game. Therefore, this match could also produce 4 or more cards.
Manchester United vs Ipswich Score Prediction
Based on the analysis above, Manchester United are likely to secure a convincing home victory against Ipswich, even though the visitors are currently enjoying excellent form.
