MAN UTD 3, BODO/GLIMT 2
Manchester United survived an almighty scare as they beat Bodo/Glimt to remain unbeaten in their Europa League campaign.
But new head coach Ruben Amorim’s first match at Old Trafford served to underline the size of the task he has in rebuilding the team to recapture former glories.
In another crazy European night in Manchester – not quite as dramatic as City’s late capitulation against Feyenood two nights earlier – there were many twists and turns in this absorbing clash.
United made a dream start as Alejandro Garnacho gave them the lead after only 49 seconds, just the start Amorim must have dreamed of.
The Norwegian champions had other ideas and two quickfire goals put them ahead to leave the Reds red faced. They were only the second side to score twice in the opening 23 minutes of an European tie at Old Trafford.
But two goals from Rasmus Hojlund either side of half time was enough to see United home on a night when the electrifying pace and running power of the Norwegians caused Amorim’s side all sort of problems.
Amorim, who stated there were improvements from the Ipswich game, said: “Of course, I see what everybody sees, good moments, difficult moments.
“There was some confusion in the end trying to hold the result, but the lads did a great job. They ran, they pressed, they tried to do the things we have worked on in the last three days and we won!
“Half of the stadium doesn’t know me. I came from Portugal, and I did nothing for this club. Yet the way they make me feel at home is special. I will keep this to the end of my career.”
On the game, Amorim continued: “Like a real ride. We started well, but then suffered two goals in two transitions. I like the way the players tried to play our game.
“Sometimes we won the ball and have had problems in the past giving the ball away too much – the mindset is keeping the ball.
“They are really trying, and I think we deserved the win.”
Embed from Getty ImagesHojlund said: “It was a little bit of a bad start but we came back and showed character. We want to make sure these games don’t get too exciting. But it’s all about the three points, isn’t it?
The Dane also spoke about the change of style and formation to 3-4-3, explaining: “Obviously it’s going to take time and we can already see some patterns. Now for us it’s time to build. For me this system reminds me of how I played in a 3-4-3 at Atalanta. It suits me well.”
Tyrell Malacia made his first appearance in 550 days since 2022-23 after finally recovering from 17 months of injury problems.
Amorim made six changes from the side who drew with Ipswich in his first game in charge.
Lisandro Martinez returned from injury while Antony was given the nod at right wing-back. Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte, Hojlund were the others to come in, Mount making his first start in 90 days.
Bodo/Glimt made five changes from their last league game. Sunday is the final day of the Norwegian league, and they need a win to seal the title – so they had more than half an eye on that one.
United made a dream start taking the lead after only 48 seconds. The found the net after 81 seconds at Ipswich in Amorim’s first game.
Bodo’s Russian keeper Nikita Haikin was caught on the ball by Hojlund when dealing with a back pass from Jostein Gundersen. The ball ran free to Garnacho who almost walked the ball into an empty net for his eighth goal of the season.
Mount and Bruno Fernandes had chances to increase the Reds’ lead before they were stunned by a 19th minute equaliser from the Norwegians.
A break ended with Sondre Brunstad Fet squaring a pass to Hakon Evjen finding the top corner from outside the box.
Worse was the follow four minutes later when Bodo snatched the lead through Philip Zinckernagel.
The wide attacker began a run from almost halfway as he outpaced Malacia before driving into the right side of the penalty area before firing low into the far corner.
United were lucky not to concede a third goal in seven minutes when a cut back found Evjen who blazed over when he ought to have hit the target.
Amorim’s side clawed its way back into the game and drew level in the final minute of the half.
Noussair Mazraoul burst forward and crossed to Hojlund who teed himself up before volleying home only his third goal of the season.
There was a change at the break as the ring rusty Malacia was replaced by Diogo Dalot.
United were quick out of the blocks as Mount had struck the bar before United regained the lead in the 51st minute.
Ugarte fired a low cross from the right and Hojlund slid in to score from six yards with the goal given after a lengthy VAR check for a possible offside.
United were well on top as Garnacho raced away down the left and cut inside before forcing a fine save from Haikin.
Amorim made a triple change just before the hour as Martinez, Mount and Antony made way for Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and Amad.
That was soon followed by the fifth and final change as Matthijs De Ligt was replaced by Casemiro who went into the back three.
United had chances to seal victory as Garnacho twice fired over, Amad forced a save from Haikin and Rashford pulled a shot wide, but the Reds were let down by wasteful finishing.
There was almost a sting in the tail as Bodo came close to making it three goals piece in stoppage time when Patrick Berg’s free kick was well kept out by Andre Onana.