Game Week 2 Predictions: Manchester United must beat Ipswich at Old Trafford

Man Utd vs Ipswich preview: Carrick’s side look to bounce back from Hull as promoted Tractor Boys visit Old Trafford.

Manchester United must prove that they're not a spent force when Ipswich Town visits on Sunday. Will United earn their first points from this game? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Manchester United vs Ipswich Town

Old Trafford Stadium

4:30pm

Manchester United once again started the season on the back foot, losing 2-0 away at Hull City last weekend. Here's another opportunity for the Red Devils to impress. Will they take it?

Ipswich Town recorded a strong win last weekend, beating Sunderland at Portman Road to give their home fans something to cheer, and they followed that up with a strong performance in the EFL Cup, where they dumped Nottingham Forest out.

The reward for a great work in the League Cup for the Tractor Boys is a fixture against the Premier League champions in the next round, but they will take things one game at a time, which should be the norm for a team of their size.

Manchester United has too much to worry about. The current squad can't compete with what their rivals have. The defense reeks of weaknesses and injuries waiting to happen. The midfield is not strong enough, and the attack can't compare to anything meaningful.

How did it get this bad for Manchester United? Beyond the result of last weekend, you can't really trust them to win any game without switching gears. Ideally, a fixture against Ipswich at Old Trafford should be bread and butter for the Red Devils, but is it in reality?

Ipswich can look at the Hull City template to earn a result at Old Trafford. The fear factor doesn't exist anymore; now anyone can dare to unite and successfully snatch their lunch. If Ipswich come bravely on Sunday, they can earn a result.

How will they line up? United won't be able to call on Carlos Balueba, as he's still injured, but Michael Carrick can tweak his team from last weekend to have a better showing. Amad Traoré is still a doubt, so Bryan Mbeumo will return on the wings.

Ipswich sits above Manchester United on the log; this isn't something they're used to. A point at Old Trafford will taste like a trophy; now they must dream bigger. They don't have the quality to compare to their host, but they can elevate their desire to outpace United.

The likes of Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, and Benjamin Sesko are the jokers for Carrick. Will they all start to give United a strong start? Bruno Fernandes had a tough game against Hull City. Will he prove to us all that he is the best player in the Premier League?

Verdict: United to win.