Jan Åge Fjørtoft and Mark Ogden from “ESPN FC” provided insights following Manchester United’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League, marking the first win for new manager Ruben Amorim.
United shocked the crowd at Old Trafford by scoring in under a minute, thanks to a mistake by goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, who mismanaged a back pass under pressure from Rasmus Højlund. Alejandro Garnacho capitalized on this error, scoring the opener with a simple tap-in.
However, the Norwegians quickly responded, with Hakon Evjen finding the net with a stunning strike in the 19th minute, followed by Philip Zinckernagel’s goal, which left goalkeeper André Onana helpless against his powerful shot.
As the game progressed, Højlund equalized for United just before the halftime whistle. His deft control and shot into the far corner leveled the score, showcasing his skills and composure under pressure. United then took the lead shortly after the break when Højlund scored again, converting a low pass from Manuel Ugarte, shortly after Mason Mount had nearly extended the lead by hitting the crossbar.
Despite having opportunities to increase their lead, United had to rely on two crucial saves from Onana to maintain their advantage, ultimately securing the three points to improve to 12th in the standings, while Bodø/Glimt remained behind them.
Reflecting on the match, Amorim acknowledged the mixed performances. He praised the players for their effort, stating, “They ran, they pressed, they tried to do the things we have worked on in the last three days and we won.” Amorim emphasized the importance of keeping possession, recognizing past struggles with ball retention but noting the team’s commitment.
His journey at Manchester United began with a 1-1 draw in the Premier League against Ipswich Town, and he expressed gratitude towards 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 match may have had its ups and downs, but it signified a new beginning for United under Amorim’s guidance. It’s essential to acknowledge that every win builds confidence, and with the right mindset and continued effort, the team could find their rhythm as the season progresses.
In summary, Manchester United’s comeback victory against Bodø/Glimt was a testament to resilience and adaptability, showcasing Højlund’s talent and Amorim’s leadership potential as they aim for improvement in upcoming matches. This victory could serve as a pivotal moment for United’s season, giving both the players and fans a renewed sense of hope and determination.