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MANCHESTER UNITED last faced Ipswich Town at Portman Road more than 20 years ago.

But this Sunday Ruben Amorim gets his first taste of being United manager when they visit the Tractor Boys.

Ruben Amorim is set for his first game in charge of Manchester United against Ipswich Town
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Ruben Amorim is set for his first game in charge of Manchester United against Ipswich TownCredit: Getty
The Red Devils last played the Tractor Boys in the Premier League in 2002
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The Red Devils last played the Tractor Boys in the Premier League in 2002Credit: Reuters
Roy Carroll was in goal for the Red Devils
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Roy Carroll was in goal for the Red DevilsCredit: PA:Press Association
The goalkeeper played his last game at the age of 45
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The goalkeeper played his last game at the age of 45Credit: Pacemaker

The Portuguese boss has replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat and got straight down to work in training.

Amorim would love Sunday's match to go the same way as the last league encounter between the clubs.

That ended in a 1-0 away victory for United under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Much has changed at the club since April 2002 - and obviously the starting XI.

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Here is a look at the starting team from that match and what those players are up to...

Roy Carroll

In goal for United was the Northern Irish stopper Carroll.

He stayed at Old Trafford until 2005 and went on to have stints at West Ham, Rangers and Derby County.

He continued his career abroad as he played for Danish outfit Odense Boldklub and Greek sides OFL and Olympiacos.

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Carroll returned to England in 2014 with Notts County and continued his career right up until 2021.

However, he made a shock return to playing in 2023 - aged 45 - as he came out of retirement to play for Ballinamallard United in Northern Ireland.

Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giants

Phil Neville

Phil Neville started in the defence for United against Ipswich in 2002
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Phil Neville started in the defence for United against Ipswich in 2002Credit: Getty
He is now the manager of Portland Timbers
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He is now the manager of Portland TimbersCredit: AP

Neville started the match against the Tractor Boys at left-back.

The defender also stayed at the club until 2005, when he left for Everton.

Neville was at the Toffees up until he retired in 2013 and moved into coaching roles at United and Valencia.

In 2018, he was named the manager of the England Women's team, stepping down in 2021.

He then had a stint as the head coach of Canada and is now in charge of the MLS outfit Portland Timbers.

Wes Brown

Wes Brown had established himself in the Red Devils squad by 2002
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Wes Brown had established himself in the Red Devils squad by 2002Credit: PA:Press Association
The former defender declared bankruptcy in 2023
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The former defender declared bankruptcy in 2023Credit: Getty

Brown was one of the two centre-backs in a defence that kept a clean sheet.

He stayed at United until 2011 and went on to have spells at Sunderland, Blackburn and Indian side Kerala Blasters.

The Englishman retired in 2018 and started a car firm.

In 2023, he was declared bankrupt despite his £50,000-per-week wage during his career.

John O'Shea

John O'Shea played 394 times for Man United
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John O'Shea played 394 times for Man UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
He is now the assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland
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He is now the assistant manager of the Republic of IrelandCredit: Alamy

O'Shea partnered Brown in the heart of the defence.

The Irishman also left the club in 2011 as he joined Brown at Sunderland.

He stayed at the club until 2018 after suffering back-to-back relegations to League One.

He retired in 2019 after a year with Reading and has most recently been the caretaker manager and assistant boss of the Republic of Ireland.

Denis Irwin

Irwin retired two years after the clash at Portman Road
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Irwin retired two years after the clash at Portman RoadCredit: PA:Press Association
He went on to work in the media
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He went on to work in the mediaCredit: Sportsfile

Irwin was coming to the end of his playing days when he lined up against Ipswich.

He retired in 2004 after a two-year spell at Wolves.

After hanging up his boots, the Irishman moved into the media and started working as a presenter for MUTV.

He has gone on to become a columnist at Ireland's Sunday World newspaper and a contributor to RTE.

Nicky Butt

Nicky Butt played in the midfield that day
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Nicky Butt played in the midfield that dayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
He was part of the group that invested in Salford City
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He was part of the group that invested in Salford CityCredit: PA

Butt was in the engine room against Ipswich.

He stayed at United until 2004 then enjoyed a good spell at Newcastle until 2010.

He retired in 2011 after playing for Hong Kong outfit South China.

He most recently was CEO at Salford City but stepped down in October.

Butt was one of the United legends that invested in Salford back in 2014.

Michael Stewart

Michael Stewart only made seven league appearances for the club
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Michael Stewart only made seven league appearances for the clubCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
He is now working in the media after a failed bid in politics
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He is now working in the media after a failed bid in politicsCredit: Kenny Ramsay

Scotsman Stewart made one of his handful of Premier League appearances for United in this match.

The midfielder left the club in 2005, having only made 14 appearances in all competitions.

He spent the majority of his career in Scotland with Hibernian and Hearts of Midlothian.

He ended his playing days back in England with Charlton Athletic in 2011.

After retiring, Stewart entered politics as attempted to become the SNP candidate for Edinburgh West at the 2015 General Election but failed to win the party's nomination.

He has since worked as a pundit for BBC Scotland and for the Scottish Sun.

Luke Chadwick

Luke Chadwick was another piece in the midfield against Ipswich
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Luke Chadwick was another piece in the midfield against IpswichCredit: Getty - Contributor
He has also worked in club media
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He has also worked in club mediaCredit: Getty

Chadwick was another part of Ferguson's midfield.

He left United in 2004 and continued playing until 2016.

The midfielder had stints at clubs such as West Ham, Stoke City, Norwich City, MK Dons, and Cambridge Town before his final club Soham Town Rangers.

He was most recently the Director of The Football Fun Factory, which is a coach provider, and he runs his own branch.

Roy Keane

Roy Keane was one of the biggest stars at the club at the time
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Roy Keane was one of the biggest stars at the club at the timeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
He is now a star pundit on Sky Sports
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He is now a star pundit on Sky SportsCredit: Getty

Keane was the final midfielder in the team at Portman Road.

He controversially left United in 2005 for a single season at Celtic before retiring from playing.

Keane then tried his hand at management with stints at Sunderland and Ipswich Town.

He also coached under Martin O'Neill at the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest.

He has now become a fan-favourite pundit on Sky Sports with fans often hailing his analysis.

Keane recently praised future son-in-law Taylor Harwood-Bellis after he scored on his England debut.

Diego Forlan

Diego Forlan struggled during his two years at Man United
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Diego Forlan struggled during his two years at Man UnitedCredit: Reuters
He has recently become a tennis player
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He has recently become a tennis playerCredit: EPA

Forlan, was one of two strikers to start the match, has possibly had the biggest career shift.

The Uruguayan forward struggled to show his best form during his two-year spell at the Red Devils.

He left in 2004 and went on to become one of the best in Europe during his stint at LaLiga sides Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.

He retired from football in 2018, but that did not end his sporting career.

Earlier this month, he was the wildcard entry into the 2024 Uruguay Open main doubles draw.

However, he and his partner, Argentine Federico Coria, were beaten in straight sets.

Ruud van Nistelrooy

Ruud van Nistelrooy was the match-winner against Ipswich Town
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Ruud van Nistelrooy was the match-winner against Ipswich TownCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
He was recently the interim coach at Man United
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He was recently the interim coach at Man UnitedCredit: PA

Van Nistelrooy was the match-winner against Ipswich with his 45th-minute goal.

The Dutchman was one of the most prolific strikers during his time in the Premier League.

He left Old Trafford in 2006 for Real Madrid and ended his career in 2012 at Malaga.

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The former striker has since turned to coaching and was the interim boss at United following Erik ten Hag's sacking.

He won three of four games during his unbeaten time in charge of the club before he was axed by Amorim.

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