Ruben Amorim’s reign as Manchester United manager began with a breathless 3-2 Europa League victory over Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt at Old Trafford. Rasmus Højlund scored a sensational winner after United had twice surrendered the lead in a match that encapsulated the challenges Amorim faces in steadying the ship at the Theatre of Dreams.
Højlund the Hero as United Edge Thriller
Danish striker Rasmus Højlund proved the match-winner on Amorim’s debut, volleying home superbly in the 82nd minute to seal a rollercoaster 3-2 win. The 23-year-old showed predatory instincts to fire United to victory after the hosts had taken an early lead through Alejandro Garnacho only to be pegged back twice by the plucky Norwegian outfit.
The electric atmosphere under the Old Trafford floodlights seemed to inspire United as they flew out of the blocks. With just 46 seconds on the clock, Antony’s ingenuity forced a Bodø/Glimt error and Garnacho pounced to slot into an empty net for a dream start to the Amorim era.
Defensive Frailties Exposed
Yet the defensive vulnerabilities that plagued previous managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag soon resurfaced. Twice Bodø/Glimt carved through the United rearguard with alarming ease, Hakon Evjen and Philip Zinckernagel striking to turn the game on its head before half-time.
Højlund’s fine finish restored parity before the break, juggling Noussair Mazraoui’s chipped pass expertly before rifling a volley past goalkeeper Nikita Haikin. It was a moment of genuine quality from United’s new frontman, offering hope that he can be the consistent goal threat the Reds have sorely lacked in recent seasons.
Onana Error Jolts United
There was still time for hearts to leap into mouths when goalkeeper Andre Onana’s late foray outside his box almost gifted Bodø/Glimt an equalizer. The Cameroonian’s slip and subsequent loose pass sent Hugo Vetlesen through on goal, but the midfielder screwed his shot wastefully wide to United’s relief.
We escaped by the skin of our teeth tonight. We have talent in attack but need to sharpen up defensively. There is a lot of work ahead to reach the level we aspire to.
Ruben Amorim told reporters after the match
Amorim’s Attacking Ethos on Show
While the defensive display will concern Amorim, the attacking verve his team showed in patches augurs well. The Garnacho-Højlund-Antony trident combined thrillingly at times, ably supported by midfield dynamo Bruno Fernandes, and should strike fear into Premier League backlines if Amorim can mould them into a cohesive unit.
Integrating new signings like Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte while implementing his favoured 3-4-3 system will take time. But with Amorim’s track record of developing young talent and forging well-drilled, exciting teams, United fans will dare to dream that nights like this mark the start of an upward trajectory after a turbulent decade post-Sir Alex Ferguson.
Højlund Repays Faith
Højlund’s match-winning cameo, after an injury-disrupted start to life in England, showed why Amorim sanctioned a club record £72 million move for the former Atalanta man. Quick, powerful and a clinical finisher, the Dane looks the complete striking package United have craved since the peak years of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie.
If he maintains this form, and Amorim can get his constellation of attacking stars singing from the same hymn sheet, United fans may finally have cause for optimism after the recent dark years. But as an uneven opening night proved, it will be evolution rather than revolution for the fallen English giants.
Yet the defensive vulnerabilities that plagued previous managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag soon resurfaced. Twice Bodø/Glimt carved through the United rearguard with alarming ease, Hakon Evjen and Philip Zinckernagel striking to turn the game on its head before half-time.
Højlund’s fine finish restored parity before the break, juggling Noussair Mazraoui’s chipped pass expertly before rifling a volley past goalkeeper Nikita Haikin. It was a moment of genuine quality from United’s new frontman, offering hope that he can be the consistent goal threat the Reds have sorely lacked in recent seasons.
Onana Error Jolts United
There was still time for hearts to leap into mouths when goalkeeper Andre Onana’s late foray outside his box almost gifted Bodø/Glimt an equalizer. The Cameroonian’s slip and subsequent loose pass sent Hugo Vetlesen through on goal, but the midfielder screwed his shot wastefully wide to United’s relief.
We escaped by the skin of our teeth tonight. We have talent in attack but need to sharpen up defensively. There is a lot of work ahead to reach the level we aspire to.
Ruben Amorim told reporters after the match
Amorim’s Attacking Ethos on Show
While the defensive display will concern Amorim, the attacking verve his team showed in patches augurs well. The Garnacho-Højlund-Antony trident combined thrillingly at times, ably supported by midfield dynamo Bruno Fernandes, and should strike fear into Premier League backlines if Amorim can mould them into a cohesive unit.
Integrating new signings like Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte while implementing his favoured 3-4-3 system will take time. But with Amorim’s track record of developing young talent and forging well-drilled, exciting teams, United fans will dare to dream that nights like this mark the start of an upward trajectory after a turbulent decade post-Sir Alex Ferguson.
Højlund Repays Faith
Højlund’s match-winning cameo, after an injury-disrupted start to life in England, showed why Amorim sanctioned a club record £72 million move for the former Atalanta man. Quick, powerful and a clinical finisher, the Dane looks the complete striking package United have craved since the peak years of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie.
If he maintains this form, and Amorim can get his constellation of attacking stars singing from the same hymn sheet, United fans may finally have cause for optimism after the recent dark years. But as an uneven opening night proved, it will be evolution rather than revolution for the fallen English giants.
