Manchester United vs Ipswich Town Preview: Prediction, Team News & Lineups

Manchester United welcome Ipswich Town to Old Trafford in a showdown packed with intrigue as the two sides meet in the FA Cup on 28 February 2024. With the Red Devils aiming to book a spot in the next round and Ipswich looking to shock a Premier League giant, both teams have plenty at stake. This Manchester United vs Ipswich Town matchup pits tradition and top-flight experience against a spirited Championship side that has developed a reputation for fearless play under pressure. Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely as United seek to avoid a cup upset and Ipswich chase a historic result. For expert analysis, stats, and live odds, Betiball provides full coverage of what could be a classic cup encounter.

Match Overview

This FA Cup fifth round tie kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Wednesday, 28 February 2024 at Old Trafford, Manchester. For United, the cup represents a prime chance to snatch silverware and restore pride after a stop-start league campaign, especially with Champions League qualification still in the balance. Erik ten Hag will not want any distraction, as Ipswich pose a classic banana skin—coming to Manchester with nothing to lose and momentum from their own success in the Championship.

The sides have not met in a competitive fixture in over two decades, raising anticipation for how the Premier League icon will deal with a high-flying lower-league opponent. For up-to-the-minute odds and tactical insight, see the Manchester United vs Ipswich Town predictions page on Betiball.

Manchester United Form & Recent Results

The Red Devils' form heading into this tie has been inconsistent, blending gritty wins with frustrating slip-ups. In their last six matches across all competitions:

• Manchester United 2-1 Luton Town (Premier League)
• Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United (Premier League)
• Manchester United 3-0 West Ham (Premier League)
• Wolverhampton 3-4 Manchester United (Premier League)
• Newport County 2-4 Manchester United (FA Cup)
• Manchester United 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Erik ten Hag's side have scored 17 goals in their last six, but defensive lapses are evident—conceding 9 over the same span. They often start matches brightly, but have allowed late drama to creep in, putting pressure on their attacking stars to keep producing. Home advantage should bolster their chances, where Old Trafford usually brings out stronger, more measured Manchester United displays.

Ipswich Town Form & Recent Results

Ipswich Town arrive at Old Trafford full of confidence and attacking swagger. Currently battling for automatic promotion from the Championship, their recent results show just one defeat in the last six:

• Ipswich Town 3-1 Birmingham City (Championship)
• Rotherham 0-4 Ipswich Town (Championship)
• Swansea City 1-2 Ipswich Town (Championship)
• Preston North End 3-2 Ipswich Town (Championship)
• Millwall 0-4 Ipswich Town (Championship)
• Leicester City 1-1 Ipswich Town (Championship)

Kieran McKenna’s side have netted 16 goals in the last six matches, building confidence and demonstrating their ability to take the initiative, even away from home. Ipswich are particularly dangerous in transition, punishing teams who overcommit, and their defensive improvement has seen clean sheets in two of the last four outings.

Team News & Possible Lineups

Manchester United

• Lisandro Martinez remains out with a knee injury, alongside long-term absentee Tyrell Malacia (knee).
• Rasmus Hojlund is unavailable due to a muscular problem.
• Luke Shaw picked up a fresh injury against Luton and is a major doubt.
• Casemiro and Mason Mount face late fitness tests, while Amad Diallo serves a suspension.

Expected lineup: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Lindelof; Mainoo, Casemiro; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Garnacho.

Ipswich Town

• George Hirst continues his spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring problem.
• Leif Davis faces a late fitness test but is likely to make the squad.
• Manager Kieran McKenna has a mostly fit group, with no fresh suspension worries reported.

Expected lineup: Hladky; Clarke, Woolfenden, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Luongo; Hutchinson, Chaplin, Broadhead; Ladapo.

Prediction

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Statistics and bookmaker odds peg Manchester United as comfortable favorites, especially given their superior firepower and home record. Recent forms for both sides, however, reveal Ipswich’s attacking quality and United’s growing injury list. The visitors have outscored most Championship rivals and have already knocked out a higher-division side earlier in the competition, highlighting upset potential.

Tactically, Manchester United’s midfield duo will be key to controlling tempo and denying Ipswich space for counter-attacks. With Garnacho and Rashford in lively form, the Red Devils can hurt Championship defenses but must avoid complacency, especially as Ipswich’s pressing and direct running could force errors in transition. Expect Ipswich to stick to their principles and exploit any lapses, though the tie’s weight and United’s finishing edge tilt the balance.

Given United’s injury concerns and Ipswich’s fearless run, this should be closer than many expect, but today’s football predictions still give the nod to Premier League pedigree. Betiball’s read: Manchester United to edge this 2-1, but Ipswich are likely to create nervy moments for the home crowd.