Manchester United secured a comeback victory at Old Trafford under new manager Ruben Amorim, defeating Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.
United struck early, scoring within 48 seconds—an even quicker start than their opening goal at Ipswich in Amorim’s first match.
A costly mistake from goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, who failed to clear the ball under pressure from Rasmus Hojlund, allowed Alejandro Garnacho an easy tap-in.
However, what seemed like a straightforward path to victory turned into a challenge as Bodo/Glimt responded with two quick goals in a four-minute span, taking the lead within the first 25 minutes.
United’s frustration eased when Hojlund leveled the score with a superb finish, bringing a jubilant reaction from Amorim.
The Danish striker then secured the win, converting Manuel Ugarte’s cross five minutes into the second half.
Despite the positive result, which strengthens United’s chances of a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the Europa League last 16, Amorim may feel disappointed by missed opportunities.
Garnacho, in particular, squandered chances, sending one shot wide when teammates were better placed and another over the bar after a setup from Amad Diallo.
Substitute Marcus Rashford also missed a clear chance, adding to the tension.
Ultimately, United held on, giving Amorim his first win since departing Sporting CP earlier this month, though the team’s inefficiency in front of goal will be a key area for improvement.
Hojlund shines at Old Trafford
Opinion on Hojlund fluctuates.
United have repeatedly stressed the £72m fee was spent on a player they felt could develop into a top striker.
As Ten Hag found out to his cost, time at a leading club is finite.
Eighteen goals in 56 appearances prior to this encounter is no better than OK and as Amorim admitted after the draw at Ipswich in his first game, when Hojlund started on the bench, that Marcus Rashford is not suited to the number nine role, a lot rests on the Dane.
His leveller was superb. Hojlund controlled Mazraoui’s cross, then manipulated his body position quickly enough to take the shot on before the ball hit the ground. His celebration came straight from the newly-released Gladiator film – but Hojlund wasn’t finished.
The former Atalanta forward’s second was more orthodox as he slid in to turn home Ugarte’s cross from close range.
The 21-year-old might have had his first United hat-trick had Garnacho opted to pass rather than end a powerful forward burst by shooting himself. Hojlund was unable to convert the rebound after the initial effort had been saved.
Instead, he has doubled his tally to the season to four and served notice he could seal a regular place in Amorim’s team.
United’s defence still a concern
A recurring concern from Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United—conceding quick back-to-back goals—reappeared under Ruben Amorim.
Earlier in the season, Porto and Liverpool both scored twice within seven minutes; Bodo/Glimt surpassed this by netting twice in just four minutes.
United’s early dominance gave way to a defensive lapse that felt all too familiar. After losing possession in their own half, the defensive structure collapsed.
Both wing-backs were caught out of position, leaving Hakon Evjen unmarked on the edge of the box, where he had ample time to fire into the top corner.
Bodo/Glimt’s second goal highlighted more defensive frailties. Philip Zinckernagel overpowered Tyrell Malacia, who struggled in his first appearance in 18 months.
With no support from center-backs Lisandro Martinez or Matthijs de Ligt, Malacia was outpaced, and Zinckernagel clinically finished into the far corner. Malacia was substituted at halftime for Diogo Dalot.
Despite these setbacks, Amorim’s side avoided the familiar fate of relinquishing leads—a pattern seen in five of Ten Hag’s last six European matches.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana played a crucial role in breaking that trend. His last-minute save from Patrick Berg’s free-kick, destined for the top corner, preserved United’s hard-fought win.
The victory moves United to 12th place in the 36-team Europa League standings, just one point shy of a top-eight spot with three matches remaining.
Player of the Match: Rasmus Højlund