Manchester United v FK Bodo/Glimt – UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Ruben Amorim secured his first victory as Manchester United manager on Thursday, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring a brace in a 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League.
Once again, Manchester United scored in the opening minutes, a trend that would be welcome in the Ruben Amorim era. This time the goal came about thanks to the pressing from Rasmus Hojlund, who chased the ball down and set it loose for Alejandro Garnacho to place into an open net after the Norwegian side failed to play safely out from the back.
Unfortunately, as was the case at Ipswich, United faded a bit after the fast start. By the 24th minute, Bodo/Glimt were in front thanks to a pair of well-worked, but preventable, goals. Hakon Evjen equalized with a well-hit strike into the top right corner and Philip Zinckernagel beat Malacia on a ball over the top to put the visitors in front.
United had to settle, and they did to be fair. Rasmus Hojlund scored two nice goals on either side of the halftime break to give the Reds a sense of control in the second half. Noussair Mazraoui and Mason Mount showed their creativity with assists and United’s class was able to shine through the chaos of a worrying first half.
There were chances to put the tie to bed. Alejandro Garnacho missed twice through on goal and Marcus Rashford missed one off the bench. The Norwegians threatened a handful more times as well, with Onana denying one way out in no-man’s land and saving another that was headed for the top right corner.
The Reds managed to hold onto the lead, however, and secure a second straight Europa League win to stay unbeaten in the group phase. It was Ruben Amorim’s first win as manager, and though it may not have gone exactly how he wanted it did showcase some much-needed creativity and goalscoring ability from a team that has lacked both at times this season.