Manchester United 3-2 Bodo/Glimt - Rasmus Hojlund double gives Ruben Amorim first win in UEFA Europa League - Eurosport
Rasmus Hojlund scored two goals as Manchester United celebrated Ruben Amorim's debut as head coach at Old Trafford with an exhilarating 3-2 win against Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League.
The Red Devils started strong when Alejandro Garnacho capitalized on a mistake by the goalkeeper to score just 50 seconds into the match.
Amorim couldn’t hide his frustration as the Norwegians quickly changed the course of the match. Just 19 minutes in, Hakon Evjen scored a fantastic equalizer, and four minutes later, Philip Zinckernagel broke free on the right and shocked the crowd at Old Trafford with a goal.
United struggled against the tightly structured Norwegian team but managed to equalize just before half-time. Hojlund showcased an impressive display of individual talent by skillfully controlling and volleying Noussair Mazraoui's cross into the far corner of the net.
Amorim adjusted the system during halftime, and it really paid off, as United dominated the second half. Hojlund rightfully gave them the lead in the 50th minute, finding the net from a central position after some skillful play down the right side.
The home team had opportunities to secure a comfortable win, but Garnacho missed the mark twice, despite being in good positions.
This outcome marks only the second victory for United in European competition this season, allowing them to move up to 12th place in the league standings.
United will now turn their attention to enhancing their performance in the Premier League as Amorim prepares for his first home game in the English top-tier against Everton on Sunday.
Amorim's Tactical Flexibility Leads To Win At Old Trafford
Before the game, Amorim mentioned how the United players were starting to embrace his ideas, but it was evident that the lineup he chose was still struggling to adapt to his preferred 3-4-3 formation.
Certainly! The Norwegian visitors really made the most of the area in the first half, but the new manager of the Red Devils made some changes at halftime and switched the formation to a 4-2-3-1.
It had a big impact, and United managed the second half with greater confidence, securing a win for Amorim in his debut at the Old Trafford sidelines.
The most impressive aspect of the night was the Portuguese manager's knack for adjusting to the circumstances. Hojlund's performance was also noteworthy, leaving United fans hopeful that he can unlock even more of his exciting potential under a coach known for developing top talents like Sporting’s coveted Viktor Gyokeres.
Match MVP: Player Of The Game
Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United) had a night to remember. The Danish player played a key role in the match, initially pressuring the goalkeeper, which led to the opening goal by Garnacho. Just before halftime, Hojlund showcased his creativity and skill to score the equalizer. He then displayed a sharp instinct for goal by finishing clinically from close range, putting United ahead again and ensuring that his new manager had a successful debut at home.
Manchester United Player Ratings: Onana 6, Mazraoui 7, De Ligt 6, Martinez 6, Antony 6, Ugarte 7, Fernandes 7, Malacia 6, Mount 7, Hojlund 9, Garnacho 8. Substitutes: Dalot 8, Rashford 6, Amad 7, Shaw 6, Casemiro 6.
Bodo/Glimt: Haikin 7, Wembangomo 7, Gundersen 7, Bjortuft 7, Bjorkan 7, Evjen 8, Berg 7, Brunstad Fet 7, Zinckernagel 7, Helmersen 7, Hauge 7. Substitutes: Sjøvold 6, Hogh 6, Saltnes 6, Maatta 6, Auklend n/a.
01’ - GOAL! – Man Utd 1-0 Bodo / Glimt: (Garnacho). United starts strong once again with Amorim at the helm. The visiting goalkeeper, Nikita Haikin, finds himself in trouble when Hojlund pressures him on the ball, leading to Garnacho sprinting in and easily scoring into an open net.
19’ - GOAL! – Man Utd 1-1 Bodo / Glimt: (Evjen). The away team shocks Old Trafford with a brilliant equalizer. A smooth passing play allows Sondre Fet to skillfully maneuver on the left side of the penalty area and then set up Evjen, who expertly strikes the ball with precision into the far corner.
23’ - GOAL! – Man Utd 1-2 Bodo / Glimt: (Zinckernagel). The Norwegian team pulls ahead! Philip Zinckernagel sprints after a pass on the right, keeps Malacia at bay, and sends a low shot past Onana into the net.
45’ - GOAL! – Man Utd 2-2 Bodo / Glimt: (Hojlund). The home team equalizes as Hojlund skillfully receives and then strikes the impressive ball from Mazraoui on the right with a volley.
50’ - GOAL! – Man Utd 3-2 Bodo / Glimt: (Hojlund). Hojlund takes advantage and slots the ball into the net after a well-placed pass from Mount created a gap in Bodo's defense.
