Pre-Match Analysis: Manchester United v Ipswich Town
Diogo Dalot of Manchester United battles for possession with Wes Burns of Ipswich Town during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Manchester United FC at Portman Road on November 24, 2024 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
Manchester United were victims on the opening day of the season last week as Michael Carrick watched his side get beaten 2-0 by Hull City thanks to goals by Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy. The Tigers recorded their first win over the Red Devils in the Premier League.
Despite dominating possession, Carrick's side struggled to create a real threat at the newly promoted side's goal, despite creating 21 chances, which ultimately made for a disappointing day at the office for United.
With a new manager under the reign on the east coast, Gary O'Neil became the man to lead Ipswich Town to safety in the Premier League after taking over from Kieran McKenna during the summer.
Ipswich, on the other hand, got off to the perfect start in life in the Premier League, beating Sunderland 2-1 thanks to a last-minute winner by Jack Clarke against his former club.
The last time Man United and Ipswich met was in February 2025, when United took all three points at Old Trafford in a 3-2 thriller.
Could we see Carlos Baleba make his debut?
Pre-Match Analysis: Manchester United v Ipswich Town
Carlos Baleba of Manchester United poses after signing for the club at Carrington Training Ground on August 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
After a year-long saga between Man United and Brighton, Carlos Baleba finally completed a £70 million move to Old Trafford this week as the midfield rebuild looks to be complete following the signings of Andre Santos and Youri Tielemans.
However, it is unlikely Baleba will feature in the matchday squad due to the Cameroonian being out with a minor injury when joining the club. "He's got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks, but we'll see," Carrick said on Friday.
"It'll be great to have him back when we can. We're delighted with Carlos. I think huge potential, massive potential. I think it's a really exciting signing for us."
When asked whether Baleba will return for his debut before the next international break in September, Carrick said, "We'll wait and see, we're hopeful."
What could a possible lineup look like against Ipswich?
Pre-Match Analysis: Manchester United v Ipswich Town
Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Jim Thwaites of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on August 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
The Red Devils head into their first game back at Old Trafford with a number of injuries that will shape Carrick's choices. These include Brighton's £70 million man, Baleba, as well as Mason Mount, Amad Diallo and a no-return date for centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.
It looks likely that Carrick will stick with a similar lineup as he set up for the opener against Hull last week. The only possible changes are Patrick Dorgu for Marcus Rashford and Ayden Heaven for Lisandro Martinez.
Kobbie Mainoo is among the players like Rashford looking to force their way into the starting eleven, with the midfielder having fresh legs after not playing a single minute during the World Cup.
Benjamin Sesko looks set to be on the bench again, as the Slovenian continues to build fitness after recovering from his shin injury, which he suffered against Liverpool last season.
However, the manager must get the starting eleven perfect if he wants to please the Old Trafford crowd in the first game back in the new season.
Three points are a must for Carrick
The Red Devils will certainly be expected to come out of Sunday with three points and get their Premier League season kick-started.
In classic United fashion, fans will expect attacking football at Old Trafford to make up for last week's disappointing result.
However, Ipswich will not be a pushover for United, as The Blues will look to carry their confidence from last week's result to Old Trafford and deny the Red Devils any early momentum.