Manchester United 3-2 Bodo/Glimt: Hojlund double powers Red Devils to comeback win over Bodo
Ruben Amorim (39) achieved his inaugural victory as head coach of Manchester United in a thrilling encounter, as his team came from behind to secure a 3-2 triumph over Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford, thereby extending their unbeaten streak at home to six matches across all competitions.
In his first match in the dugout, Amorim's squad quickly took the lead within 82 seconds against Ipswich on Sunday, but they were even more rapid in this match, scoring just 49 seconds after the kickoff.
Although Alejandro Garnacho finished the move by tapping into an empty net, the credit primarily goes to Rasmus Hojlund, who pressured Bodo goalkeeper Nikita Haikin and dispossessed him within the 18-yard box.
Despite their early advantage, United struggled to capitalize on several opportunities, which led to a familiar issue: conceding two goals in quick succession in European competition, marking the fourth time in five UEFA Europa League matches that they squandered a lead.
Hakon Evjen first exploited a gap between the defensive lines at the edge of the area, skillfully curling a shot into the top corner. Shortly thereafter, a long ball caught Tyrell Malacia—making his first senior appearance in over a year—off guard, allowing Philip Zinckernagel to finish clinically beneath Andre Onana.
The match saw the largest contingent of away supporters for a European fixture at Old Trafford in recent history, with Amorim visibly perplexed by his team's defensive lapses that led to both goals.
The stunned hosts required a response, and just before half-time, Hojlund delivered one with brilliance.
Noussair Mazraoui's impressive footwork created space for a cross, which Hojlund controlled and dispatched into the bottom corner between two defenders in one fluid motion.
Following the interval, the hosts carried the momentum and came close to regaining the lead when Mason Mount's curling effort struck the upright.
Shortly thereafter, the Red Devils regained the lead with a well-executed play that featured Mount passing to Manuel Ugarte on the right flank. Ugarte then delivered a precise ball to Hojlund, who effortlessly finished into the far corner, marking his second goal of the evening.
Amorim’s address during the half-time break evidently had a positive impact on his players, who appeared significantly more unified in the second half. However, extending their lead by two goals proved elusive, as Garnacho missed four opportunities from favorable positions, and Marcus Rashford also shot wide when well-positioned inside the box.
With Casemiro and Luke Shaw introduced as substitutes in the back three, United's defensive organization appeared somewhat unsettled. Nevertheless, they faced few late threats, with Onana making a crucial save from a free-kick in stoppage time, ensuring their second consecutive UEFA Europa League victory and bringing them within a point of the automatic qualification spots.
Meanwhile, Bodø suffered their second consecutive defeat in the UEFA Europa League, falling behind their more prestigious opponents as they prepare for a crucial domestic title match this weekend.
SportsLigue