Amorim's Man United tenure off to a flyer with a goal after 81 seconds but only a draw at Ipswich

Eighty-one seconds.

That's how long it took Manchester United to score for Ruben Amorim in his first match in charge — a 1-1 draw at third-from-last Ipswich in the Premier League on Sunday.

Marcus Rashford tapped in a cross from Amad Diallo to give United the lead at Portman Road in the best possible start to Amorim's tenure.

United couldn't hold on against one of the Premier League's weakest teams, conceding an equalizer to Omari Hutchinson just before halftime.

“It's a tough league — I already knew that but you had the real feeling here,” Amorim said. “The intensity of the opponents, the environment of the stadium. But I think we started very well.”

Amorim left Portuguese leader Sporting Lisbon to replace the fired Erik ten Hag as United manager and two of his major selection calls were vindicated very early in his first game, for which he deployed his favored 3-4-3 formation.

Diallo, a winger, was deployed as a wing back and his first foray forward resulted in a goal.

Rashford was the scorer after being chosen to start up front ahead of out-and-out strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Rashford has typically been playing as a winger and has been in patchy form for the past two seasons, meaning he has dropped out of the England squad.

“It has been tough on them,” Amorim said about his players. “They had to learn in two days different positions. They tried — that's all we can ask."

“It will take a long time,” he added of the bigger picture at United. “Let's not focus on that goal (winning the title). That is the big goal. Let's focus on the small details, the small things, and to build a team and an environment that can produce one team that can win the title.”

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes (8) dribbles the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Ipswich Town and Manchester United at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich, England, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, left, is congratulated by Amad Diallo after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Ipswich Town and Manchester United at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich, England, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, left, is congratulated by Amad Diallo after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Ipswich Town and Manchester United at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich, England, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim gestures during the English Premier League soccer match between Ipswich Town and Manchester United at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich, England, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim gestures during the English Premier League soccer match between Ipswich Town and Manchester United at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich, England, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

Manchester United's fans cheer for their team prior to the English Premier League soccer match between Ipswich Town and Manchester United at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich, England, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim gives instructions during the English Premier League soccer match between Ipswich Town and Manchester United at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich, England, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 2, 2026--

Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the U.S., today announced the accomplishments of 10 of its Retail Partners, sharing the names of the owners and operators honored at the company’s annual Retail Partner Awards.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260402761311/en/

The awards were presented during the Company’s annual meeting and food show for store owners and operators, held in St. Charles, Mo. Awards were given to recognize performance in calendar year 2025 across several major categories, including year-over-year customer and sales growth, Store Managers of the Year, Hometown Hero, Omnichannel Leaders, Outstanding Customer Service, and Retail Partners of the Year. Retail Partners were divided into groups based on store count to ensure recognition across all network sizes.

Award Winners: Sales and Customer Count Growth

Given to stores with the highest year-over-year customer count and sales growth for the full year of 2025.

Award Winners: Omnichannel Leader

This award recognizes stores that excel in app engagement, loyalty signups, e-commerce adoption, and digital strategy.

Award Winners: Outstanding Customer Service – Scott Clewis, IT Director Product Delivery

This award honors a Save A Lot Support Center or Distribution Center team member who consistently delivers exceptional service to Retail Partners.

The company is proud to recognize Scott Clewis, IT Director Product Delivery, for his commitment to problem-solving, transparency, and hands‑on partnership. His willingness to support every challenge, provide clear expectations and elevate technology solutions has made him an indispensable resource for Retail Partners nationwide.

Award Winners: Hometown Hero – Al Solanki, Moultrie, GA

The company is honored to recognize Al Solanki, a dedicated Retail Partner whose compassion and selflessness have made him a beloved figure in his community for more than a decade.

Al’s generosity is evident year-round, including his annual Christmas Day tradition of partnering with the Mennonite community in Moultrie to feed the homeless. He sets up a tent in front of his store to offer warm meals, sleeping bags, gloves, socks and essential items to those in need. He also regularly supports local schools and the YMCA with meals, snacks, equipment and financial contributions.

Award Winners: Store Managers of the Year

Given to store managers who exhibit outstanding leadership, operational excellence, customer focus, and team engagement.

Award Winners: Retail Partners of the Year

The Retail Partner of the Year award is given to Retail Partners who demonstrate outstanding results across the business on all metrics (sales, customer count, purchases) as well as demonstrate outstanding community involvement, team engagement and a commitment to the Save A Lot brand image.

“These Retail Partners and store leaders demonstrate every day what makes Save A Lot special,” said Bill Mayo, CEO of Save A Lot. “Through operational excellence, meaningful community engagement and a commitment to delivering fresh, full, friendly and clean stores, they drive our brand forward. We are honored to recognize their hard work and leadership across our network.”

About Save A Lot

Founded in 1977, Save A Lot is the largest independently owned and operated discount grocery store chain in the U.S., with approximately 600 stores in 29 states. True to its mission of being a hometown grocer, Save A Lot strives to provide unmatched quality and value to local families. Customers enjoy savings on great tasting, high quality private label brands, national brand products, USDA-inspected meat, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, and other non-food items. For more information visit www.SaveALot.com and follow Save A Lot on Facebook ( facebook.com/savealot ), on X (@savealot), and Instagram (@SaveALotFoodStores), or for more information on becoming a Save A Lot independent retail operator, visit ownasavealot.com

The Rabban Brothers were among 10 Retail Partners honored at this year's annual meeting and food show.