Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has insisted that it will take time for the club's players to adapt to his new system following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
Marcus Rashford gave the Red Devils the perfect start at Portman Road, turning a low cross from Amad Diallo into the back of the net in the second minute, but Omari Hutchinson's 43rd-minute strike earned a point for the hosts.
Amorim only had two full training sessions with his squad due to players returning late from international duty, and the Portuguese took the positives from the clash with Ipswich, insisting that there is "so much space to improve".
"Not a good result but it is a tough league with high intensity. We started very well but should have had more of the ball. But we are learning," Amorim told BBC Sport.
"It was really hard for them [to adapt to a new formation], they were thinking what to do, it was not fluid which is normal after to just two training sessions but they tried hard. They have so much space to improve. But after a draw you never feel the good things. So I am really happy because they tried but they can do so much better.
"It is a great environment, a great spectacle. But when the game starts it is like I am back in Portugal or the third division. I am so focused everything is the same. You guys are so lucky to have the best league in the world. I am really happy to be here but today I don't feel much because I like to win games."
Amorim claims Man United players "were thinking too much"
In a separate interview with Sky Sports News, Amorim said: "My players were thinking too much in the game. We had just two days altogether, we need more. They leave us one against one and we have to use those moments. It was a tough match, we lost some balls without pressure.
"When you start like this, you have to control the ball. We cannot do it at the moment but they really, really tried. They are really trying and they want this. We have to address the new ideas now and try and be better for the next stage.
"This week I spoke more [to the media] than I did in four years at Sporting. I just want to work with my players. Nothing more."
As expected, Man United lined up in a 3-4-3 formation against Ipswich, with Amad and Diogo Dalot the wing-backs, while Jonny Evans and Noussair Mazraoui started alongside Matthijs de Ligt at the back.
"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," Amorim added.
What next for Man United?
Man United will return to action on Thursday evening, welcoming Bodo/Glimt to Old Trafford in the Europa League, before hosting Everton in the Premier League next weekend.
Kobbie Mainoo and Tyrell Malacia were back on the bench at Portman Road, while Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez could also be involved in the team's next match, as Amorim bids to get his best XI on the field as soon as possible. body check tags ::
