Ruben Amorim was full of praise for two Manchester United players after his first game in charge of the club.
The 39-year-old took his side to Ipswich in the Premier League’s late kick-off on Sunday but left with only a point following a 1-1 draw at Portman Road.
Marcus Rashford had given the Red Devils a stunning early lead after tapping in Amad Diallo’s cross following excellent work from the Ivorian, who was deployed as a wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
Omari Hutchinson, however, levelled for the hosts just before half-time after his brilliant strike was deflected off Noussair Mazraoui and past Andre Onana.
Amorim admitted his side looked “confused” at times at having to play a new system with limited time on the training pitch, acknowledging United “will have problems” as they adapt to his methods.
Still, the United coach was pleased with the performances of both Mazraoui and Onana.
Mazraoui, a wing-back by trade, operated in a central defensive position given the spate of injuries to United’s other options there, including Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire.
Goalkeeper Onana, meanwhile, pulled off a string of saves to deny the hosts from taking the lead.
Asked about the defender, Amorim said: “We don't have too many centre-backs so we have to adapt some players.
“I thought Noussair Mazraoui did very well. He is so smart and is so important for us. He can play anywhere and that kind of player is crucial for our future."
Speaking about the result more generally, the United boss added: “We [could have got a] win. We could lose, if it was not [for] Onana.”
