Jan Åge Fjørtoft and Mark Ogden of “ESPN FC” shared their insights on Manchester United’s thrilling 3-2 victory against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, marking a significant moment for the team and their new manager, Ruben Amorim.
The match kicked off dramatically for United, who took an early lead in the first minute after Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin mishandled a back pass. Under pressure from Rasmus Højlund, the ball slipped away, allowing Alejandro Garnacho to score an easy tap-in. However, Bodo/Glimt responded strongly with two quick goals, first through Hakon Evjen, who delivered a stunning strike into the top corner in the 19th minute, and then Philip Zinckernagel, who found the net after evading a challenge from Tyrell Malacia.
Despite being taken aback, Manchester United regrouped and equalized just before halftime. Noussair Mazraoui’s pass set up Højlund for a precise shot that found the corner of the net. The team gained momentum in the second half when Højlund scored again, converting Manuel Ugarte’s low cross into a goal shortly after Mason Mount struck the crossbar. The victory was crucial for United, which saw them climb to 12th place in the league standings with nine points, while Bodo/Glimt remained at seven points.
Post-match, Amorim reflected on the game, acknowledging both the highs and lows his team experienced. He stated, “Of course, I see what everybody sees, good moments, difficult moments,” highlighting the challenges of maintaining the lead and his squad’s efforts in executing their game plan. Despite the confusion toward the end, he praised his players for their effort.
This marked Amorim’s first victory since taking over the helm at Manchester United, having previously drawn his debut match against Ipswich Town. He expressed gratitude for the reception from the fans, saying, “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.” The coach characterized the match as a “roller coaster,” praising his team’s determination and their growing understanding of his tactics.
Ultimately, this victory not only gives Manchester United vital points but also serves as a source of optimism for the fans and players as they adapt to a new managerial approach. The win under Amorim’s leadership perhaps marks the beginning of a rejuvenated chapter for the club, with hope for future improvements consistent with their storied history.