Omari Hutchinson’s first Premier League goal just before half-time saw the Blues to a 1-1 home draw with Manchester United at Portman Road in manager Kieran McKenna’s first game against his old club. The Red Devils, with new head coach Ruben Amorim in charge for the first time, went in front in the 80th second through Marcus Rashford but the Blues deserved their leveller when it came and had second half chances to win it via Liam Delap and Conor Chaplin.

Town made one change from the team which beat Tottenham 2-1 a fortnight ago with Wes Burns returning to the XI and Ben Johnson, who was absent from the 20-man squad, dropping out.

Ali Al-Hamadi and Jack Taylor, who had been out with a hamstring problem, returned to the squad with George Hirst missing out due to his knee injury.

Kalvin Phillips was also absent having been a doubt coming into the match with a knock suffered in the Leicester match, as was Nathan Broadhead, who has had a groin problem.

Manchester United made three changes from the team which beat Leicester 3-0 before the international break with Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Alejandro Garnacho all back in the side.

England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returned to the squad as a sub following an injury along with long-term absentees Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

In windy conditions, the visitors, who had lined-up with new boss Amorim’s preferred three-man backline, took the lead with their first attack after only 80 seconds.

Amad Diallo burst down the right shaking of Jens Cajuste and Leif Davis before sending in a low cross for Rashford, who got in between keeper Aro Muric and Dara O’Shea - who were left staring at one another - to turn the ball into the net.

Having gone behind, Town saw a fair bit of the ball in the following spell, but without threatening, before Christian Eriksen shot wide for United on seven.

But a minute later, Burns crossed from the right and Sammie Szmodics turned an effort over the bar.

On nine, Hutchinson sent Burns away on the right the the Welshman sent over a teasing ball just beyond Delap and Szmodics with a defender getting a touch on the way across.

Two minutes later, Hutchinson again played in Burns down the right and this time the winger cut back to the edge of the box from where Szmodics hit a low shot which Andre Onana saved down to his right.

United looked a major threat whenever they broke on Town and in the 18th minute Alejandro Garnacho curled a shot wide of Muric’s left post.

Aside from the early goal and one or two United breaks, the Blues could be pleased with their performance having been in control for the most part. On 29, Delap was fouled by Jonny Evans just outside the area but Hutchinson’s free-kick was too close to Onana, who snaffled comfortably.

In the 32nd minute, a Town corner from the right was headed back across goal by O’Shea and out to Hutchinson on the edge of the area but his shot was blocked by Diogo Dalot.

Three minutes later, Garnacho looked to be away on his own breaking towards goal in the Town half but his former United teammate Axel Tuanzebe used his pace to get back and force the Argentinian international away from goal and then off the ball.

In the 39th minute, Dalot was found by a looping ball held up on the wind but Burns did well to stay with him and the Portuguese full-back shot tamely to Muric.

Within a minute, the Blues should have levelled. Cameron Burgess played a superb ball down the left for Davis, who cut inside his man before playing a clever pass between two defenders to Delap eight yards out. The striker seemed certain to score but Onana somehow got his hand to the effort hit back across him to his right.

Delap was presumably still wondering how the United keeper had kept his effort out when Cajuste found space 25 yards out and struck a shot not too far over the bar.

Town had been growing in confidence and threat and in the 43rd minute the goal they had been threatening came.

Burns played a ball inside to Hutchinson, who rolled his man before hitting a shot which flicked off Noussair Mazraoui and found the top corner of the net to send an already noisy Portman Road wild.

Aside from Delap riling Mazraoui with a shove late on which led to the Morocco international briefly squaring-up to the Town striker, Hutchinson’s first Premier League goal was the final action of the half.

The Blues’ support applauded their side off at half-time, Town having been well worth at least going in on terms.

Having made a disastrous start, the Blues had largely been in control with only the occasional United break at pace causing them problems.

As the half wore on, Town began to show more belief and the Blues should have been on terms before Hutchinson’s goal, which was very reminiscent of his first away against Hull last season, with Delap’s chance well saved by Onana.

The second half almost started the same as the first. Red Devils skipper Bruno Fernandes played in Garnacho on the left of the box from where the Argentinian hit a shot across Muric, who saved, before Burgess cleared the danger.

But Town quickly got back on top and in the 52nd minute went close to going in front. Delap made a strong run forward before playing the ball out wide to Burns with the outside of his foot. The Wales international took it on and sent over a low cross, which Delap flicked goalwards with his heel but Onana was able to save. Sam Morsy’s follow-up was deflected behind.

From the resultant corner, Hutchinson lost out on the edge of the United box and Garnacho was sent away on goal. Cajuste chased him back before making a superb saving challenge just inside the area to put the ball out for a corner. Had the tackle been mistimed, it would have been a United penalty but it needed to be made with Garnacho otherwise with only Muric to beat.

Moments later, Town gave the ball away having gone long after being unable to pass their way out and eventually Rashford and Fernandes linked-up just outside the box, the Portuguese hitting a low shot which O’Shea did well to block.

The visitors made their first changes of the afternoon in the 56th minute with Luke Shaw, making his first United appearance since last season, and Manuel Ugarte replacing Evans and Casemiro.

Town made their first switches of the afternoon in the 65th minute with Szmodics and the again excellent Cajuste making way for Jack Clarke and Jack Taylor ahead of a free-kick on the right which was nodded down and across the face by O’Shea to Onana, who claimed.

Three minutes later, not long after Burgess had cleared following a Muric fumble of an aerial ball, United made two more changes, Rashford and Eriksen making way for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

Having made their changes, the visitors had got on top, keeping hold of the ball in the Town half but without creating a chance.

On 71, Taylor won possession on halfway and Delap and Hutchinson battled for the ball before the former Manchester City man took it on towards the box and hit a shot just over.

Four minutes later, space opened up for Zirkzee but the ex-Bologna man shot well over into the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand.

Skipper Morsy came close to his fifth yellow card of the season in the 79th minute for a foul on Fernandes just outside the box as the Portuguese exchanged passes but referee Taylor was in a generous mood, keeping his cards in his pocket all afternoon. Fernandes took the free-kick himself and curled the ball only just past Muric’s right post.

Ahead of the goal-kick, the Town crowd upped the volume, sensing their team needed their help.

Moments later, the game stopped for an injury to Mazraoui and the Blues made two further changes, Delap and Burns making way and Al-Hamadi and Chaplin taking their places with Hutchinson moving to the right to allow the latter to take up his usual central role.

Garnacho replaced by Mason Mount on 87 ahead of a Town free-kick on the left following a foul on Clarke.

Despite the set piece not working out as planned, the Blues managed to create their final big chance of the afternoon, Clarke reaching a cross from the right which flew beyond the far post and cutting it back for Chaplin, who shot first-time straight at Onana. Anywhere either side of the keeper and the former Portsmouth man would have been celebrating his first Premier League goal.

Town were finishing the 90 minutes the stronger with United looking nervy at the back and the home support cheered the additional four minutes when it was announced.

Neither side seriously threatened in the additional time and the Blues crowd cheered the final whistle, their side having achieved another notable result.

In truth, it might have been even better with Town having had decent chances both in the first half before Hutchinson’s goal and in the second half through Delap and Chaplin with Onana making another excellent save in the first instance.

United are far from the team they were when the Blues were in the Premier League on either of their previous two occasions but going toe-to-toe with them and claiming a well deserved point is another milestone on the journey from League One, and one which will be particularly sweet for manager McKenna against his old club.

Town, who are 18th following this weekend’s fixtures, in the relegation zone behind Wolves on goal difference, are next in action on Saturday when they travel to face Nottingham Forest, who have lost their last two matches, 3-1 at home to Newcastle and 3-0 at Arsenal yesterday.

Town: Muric, Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis, Morsy (c), Cajuste (Taylor 65), Burns (Chaplin 81), Hutchinson, Szmodics (J Clarke 65), Delap (Al-Hamadi 81). Unused: Walton, H Clarke, Woolfenden, Townsend, Luongo.

Manchester United: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Fernandes (c), Rashford (Hojlund 68), Eriksen (Zirkzee 68), Amad, Garnacho (Mount 87), Casemiro (Ugarte 56), Dalot, Evans (Shaw 56). Unused: Bayindir, Malacia, Mainoo, Antony. Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire). VAR official: Jarred Gillett (Australia). Att: 30,017 (United: 3,000).

Photo: Matchday Images

Linkboy13 added 20:56 - Nov 24 Yes we should have won it today having created the better chances. A more experienced Liam Delap would have tucked that chance into the corner but went for power in stead . Man United knew that Hutchinson was the main danger and obviously discussed this at half time and marked him much tighter second half dispite this i still gave him mom. Morsy was excellent until he tired in the second half also Delap was a menace to Uniteds defence Davis had his hands full but came out on top Cajuste is getting better game by game. All goal keeper's make brilliant saves but the best ones make fewer mistakes and im afraid Muric is making too many at the moment. Forgot to mention O'shea who's starting to show why we brought him.

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benslifeyt added 20:59 - Nov 24 Sorry I missed out ali looked shattered after 10 mins being on
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Jcb2007 added 21:01 - Nov 24 So close to taking another scalp.. Omari was unplayable, the more I see Cajuste the more I like. Him and Morsy controlled midfield. I'm sorry but when Delap went off my heart sank. Al hamadi looked way off pace for this league. I agree with an earlier comment that Muric was just not aware enough and expected the ball to drop into his hands when he should have been diving at the feet of Rashford. But hey, what do I know, only played Sunday league in my day.

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Jcb2007 added 21:01 - Nov 24 So close to taking another scalp.. Omari was unplayable, the more I see Cajuste the more I like. Him and Morsy controlled midfield. I'm sorry but when Delap went off my heart sank. Al hamadi looked way off pace for this league. I agree with an earlier comment that Muric was just not aware enough and expected the ball to drop into his hands when he should have been diving at the feet of Rashford. But hey, what do I know, only played Sunday league in my day.

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shakytown added 21:01 - Nov 24 Brilliant effort from all involved. Who would have believed 2 seasons ago we would be able to compete with Man u let alone outplay them. Cant wait for the January window and what business our manager and backroom staff are lining up. Nothing but positives to take from this game and we keep getting better in every facet of the game.
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SpiritOfJohn added 21:02 - Nov 24 We have two of the best young English players in the Premier League in Hutchinson and Delap. Such an exciting time to be an Ipswich fan. We've waited a long time for this, so I hope everyone is enjoying it. We would have won that, apart from Onana's two incredible saves against Delap. Good to see a referee that managed to keep his cards on his pocket, and also nice to see some proper tackling from Morsy in the first half and Cajuste in the second. We are starting to look like we belong in this league.

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dirtydingusmagee added 21:37 - Nov 24 well done everyone , great performance, We may be in a worrying position ,but we are still settling in, and showing we can compete in Prem, and imo are improving all the time .
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budgieplucker added 21:37 - Nov 24 Another shout out here for Anthony Taylor who is the best referee I have seen for a while here at Portman Road, plus did we miss VAR? Perhaps they should have technical problems more often at Stockley Park and suspend the use of VAR again, so probably no coincidence that the game flowed better without having VAR available. Onto Town, before the match I really would have been disappointed not to have come away with three points, but having gone behind so early for a period I would have settled for a point. Before highlighting any player points, the lads are doing phenomenally well, Kieron is a genius. However at times especially towards the end I thought this league is a little too much for three or four of our players. The squad is light compared to most others and that at the end of the day may well be the defining factor as to whether we can retain our premiership status. We will again receive more plaudits for our pressing and determination and effort, but as a poster has already said we are one Delap injury away from a crisis. Again that’s not taking anything away from the lads who are busting their guts to compete. So it is points we need rather then plaudits. Now onto the hero’s of today, Sam Morsy was my man of the match, the complete midfield performance which caused the withdrawal of two players of the stature of Casimero and Eriksen. Cajuste has to take a lot of credit here to, now I am a Kalvin Phillips fan and feel he has done well this season given his recent issues before joining us. However, Cajuste and Morsy look a great fit together. Delap gives us the main threat with Omari getting better every game, Sammie had one useful shot today, but pressed well. Big shout also to Cam Burgess excelling at this level. Keeping people fit and in January replacing those regularly injured may just be the key for surviving, however, this is likely to be loans but we only have one Premier Loan available to us, so we may have to go overseas for a loan or two. I don’t like knocking individuals, but Muric again has to take full responsibility for that first goal he went down on one knee too early waiting for the ball allowing Rashford to nip in.

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blues1 added 22:19 - Nov 24 Robsonwark just go and support some1,else. How the hell would Muric have gone to the ball with the valley on the trajectory it was. Just good movement by Rashford to get between him and Oshea . And what else do u say he did wrong in the game? And he's cost us a lot less goals than Walton did in the past 1 seasons.
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warktheline added 22:35 - Nov 24 @blueboy, it’s getting tiresome constantly proving you wrong!
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Bert added 22:53 - Nov 24 A little unfair to blame Muric for their goal. He positioned himself believing that O’Shea had a better chance of clearing the ball but Rashford was just too quick for both.
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Leejames99 added 23:04 - Nov 24 I dont see how on earth Muric can be blamed today for the draw today. Delap missed 2 sitters but he has been immense. Goalkeepers make howlers and strikers can miss sitters its football! 1 goal conceded in 2 games against Spurs and Man Utd is really good. going. If VAR had not botched up against Leicester, Brentford and Everton we would be right up there. The tide is turning now. The team have gelled and know each other, we just need a couple decent signings in Jan and we be okay. Another striker be good, Adebyeo from Luton scored 10 last season in Premier league but if we can get him I'd go for Almiron from Newcastle. Ben Chillwell would be great on left with Davis in front or vice versa and I don't care what anyone says I wonder if Mckenna could get the best out of Deli Ali. I'd maybe get Harry Maguire or similar with Premiership knowledge. I think if we play how we are and fear nobody we can stay up. COYB

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RobsonWark added 23:11 - Nov 24 blues1 you are a joke!! you know nothing about football. He should have gone for that ball and dived for it rather than wait for it to fall in his hands. Walton would have got that ball.
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RobsonWark added 23:12 - Nov 24 If our manager thinks Walton or Slicker is not good enough, we need to buy another goalkeeper in January. We can not carry on with this useless clown in goal.
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RobsonWark added 23:22 - Nov 24 blues1 I am Ipswich through and through but you are obviously not because you can't spot a sh1te goalkeeper when you see one.
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Saxonblue added 00:32 - Nov 25 Brilliant performances all over today - but we need to win our share of games like this or playing well won’t be enough. You have to do a double take when you realise how far we have come (‘away to Exeter this weekend two years ago). I agree with the comments on the goalkeeping - can Walton really be that bad in training that he does not get the nod in front of Muric? I don’t ever remember him making the mistakes that Muric has or maybe I just have a short memory? So proud of this club and what it’s achieving right now.COYB!

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shakytown added 01:32 - Nov 25 Robsonwark. One thing that is for sure is that our manager and coaches know a hell of a lot more about football than you do. That was a good goal from a class striker and was in no way all Murics fault. Why are you not calling the players out who let them run down the wing and a free unchallenged cross????
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 06:24 - Nov 25 The whole team were Men of the Match yesterday. Omari and Delap stood out, but every single player gave their all for the cause. The pressing was exceptional and there was plenty of skill on show as well. Of course, all the blah blah on the media was about Amorin and the new team, but I know who I'd rather have as manager and he doesn't come from Portugal. We have a genius in place already. We were the better team in the first half and while things evened out in the second, on balance we could easily have won. Agree that the ref was pretty good and didn't fall for the ridiculous antics of players (mostly Man U) falling over to try to gain free kicks, Garnacho being a prime example. Very proud of my team today. Onwards and upwards!

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blueboy1981 added 07:29 - Nov 25 Very noticeable on here from comments made, as to who has Played, Coached, ot Managed Teams at various levels of the game. Each to our own, but some haven’t a clue. Never mind, warktheline gives many of us who have, a laugh every week ! Not so sure he should use the word ‘wark’ though - a True ITFC Legend !
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londontractorboy57 added 09:32 - Nov 25 At first look I was cursing Muric having seen replay from different angles it was 50/50 chance that unfortunately Rashford won. Brutal analysis would tell you that not putting away 2 great chances cost us 3 points. You can't always blame the goalie. Yet again we showed enough to stay up.
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Rimsy added 10:00 - Nov 25 Superb performance. We more than matched United and it wouldn't have been unjust had we won. 2 fantastic saves from Onana kept us at bay. Delap should have stayed on, he can do 90 minutes surely, Ali just not yet at this level. I know it's frowned upon to criticise anyone, but Muric really is the weak link in the team and is costing us valuable points. He should have been on that ball before Rashford got anywhere near it. It would be comical, the image of him kneeling looking at the ball in the net, if it wasn't crippling the team.

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atty added 10:29 - Nov 25 Great day at PR and a decent result all things considered. Sadly, it seems some players havn’t made the step up yet. Whether or not they will remains to be seen. I have my doubts, and how much time can they given? Al Hamadi, Burns, Clarke and what about the injury prone Broadhead and Hirst? As priorities in January we need back up for Delap, maybe an experienced older pro required and a new left sided attacking player. In the middle, not convinced by Taylor as back up. At the back Burgess doing ok, and we have Greaves to come back. Not sure about Wolfenden though.

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johnwarksshorts added 10:54 - Nov 25 What a fantastic display of football by town. They could have won it, had it not been for 2 world class saves. I have to give a mention to the ref, he was very good. Not one booking.
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gosblue added 15:17 - Nov 25 Why do people on here jump on one of our players when they sign, then stick with the same script all season. Music has his faults, especially his distribution, but he was commanding in the air for United's corners. Watch Rashford's goal again and this time watch Cajuste dive in instead of tracking back, which BTW he got spot on in the second half. Watch also O'Shea ball watching to let Rashford get away from him for a tap in. Apart from an early lapse, every one of our players was a warrior. COYMB

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Razor added 17:02 - Nov 25 Quick shout out for the referee----best seen here in many ayear---he just stood and almost laughed at the united players as they rolled around and Delap did a dodgy challenge for he would normally have been booked he just took him to one side and had a little chat----excellent refereeing. And Muric------if one player could single handedly get a team relegated he is the man.

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