Rasmus Hojlund struck twice as Manchester United marked Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge at Old Trafford with a rollercoaster 3-2 UEFA Europa League victory over Bodo/Glimt.
The Red Devils got off to a flyer as Alejandro Garnacho took advantage of a goalkeeping blunder to open the scoring inside 50 seconds.
However, Amorim was left grimacing in frustration as the Norwegians turned the game on its head soon after. First, Hakon Evjen curled home a superb equaliser on 19 minutes before Philip Zinckernagel raced free down the right to stun Old Trafford into silence four minutes later.
United toiled against the well-organised Norwegians but levelled on the stroke of half-time when a brilliant piece of individual skill saw Hojlund control and volley Noussair Mazraoui’s cross into the far corner.
Amorim made a system change at the interval and it paid real dividends as United bossed the second period. Hojlund deservedly put them in front on 50 minutes when he tucked home from a central area after neat work down the right.
The hosts had chances to avoid a nervy finale, but Garnacho twice fired off target when well-placed.
The result sees United pick up just their second win in Europe this season and shifts them up to 12th in the league phase standings.
United will now switch focus to improving their Premier League fortunes in what will be Amorim’s first home match in the English top-flight against Everton on Sunday.
Talking Point – Amorim’s tactical flexibility ensures his Old Trafford bow ends with a win
Ahead of the match, Amorim talked about the United players buying into his philosophy, but it was clear the personnel he selected were still not comfortable with his favoured 3-4-3 system.
Indeed, the Norwegian visitors took full advantage of the space during the first half, but the new Red Devils boss adjusted at the break and tweaked the formation to a 4-2-3-1.
It made a significant difference and United controlled the second period with much more authority to ensure Amorim’s first time in the Old Trafford dug-out started with a win.
The Portuguese boss’ ability to adapt to the situation was the major positive on the night, as was the performance of Hojlund, who United fans will hope can realise his exciting potential even further under a coach who brought the best out of Sporting’s much-sought after Viktor Gyokeres.
Player of the Match
Rasmus Hojlund (Man United). The Dane enjoyed a morale-boosting night. First, he showed great industry to force the goalkeeping error for Garnacho’s opener before wonderful improvisation and technique saw him level on the stroke of half-time. A clinical finish from a poacher’s position put United back in front and made sure his new boss got off to a winning start on home turf.
Player Ratings
Man Utd: Onana 6, Mazraoui 7, De Ligt 6, Martinez 6, Antony 6, Ugarte 7, Fernandes 7, Malacia 6, Mount 7, Hojlund 9, Garnacho 8. Subs: 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. Subs: Sjøvold 6, Hogh 6, Saltnes 6, Maatta 6, Auklend n/a.
Match Highlights
01’ – GOAL! – Man Utd 1-0 Bodo / Glimt: (Garnacho). United are off to another flyer under Amorim. It’s a nightmare for visiting goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, who is caught on the ball by Hojlund, allowing Garnacho to race in and tap into an empty net.
19’ – GOAL! – Man Utd 1-1 Bodo / Glimt: (Evjen). The visitors stun Old Trafford with a wonderful equaliser. A slick move sees Sondre Fet turn neatly on the left side of the box and lay it back for Evjen to curve a sublime first-time strike into the far corner.
23’ – GOAL! – Man Utd 1-2 Bodo / Glimt: (Zinckernagel). The Norwegians take the lead! Philip Zinckernagel charges after a ball down the right, holds off Malacia and fires a low shot beyond Onana.
45’ – GOAL! – Man Utd 2-2 Bodo / Glimt: (Hojlund). The hosts pull level as Hojlund expertly controls and then volleys home Mazraoui’s delightful ball from the right.
50’ – GOAL! – Man Utd 3-2 Bodo / Glimt: (Hojlund). Hojlund pounces to fire home a low ball from the right after a delicious flick from Mount had opened Bodo up.
Key Stats
Read the full article here
