Manchester United gifted Ruben Amorim a win on his first game at Old Trafford as manager, beating Bodo/Glimt 3-2 for their second consecutive Europa League win.
The start against Ipswich was replicated as Rasmus Hojlund chased down the goalkeeper to force a mistake from which Garnacho tapped into an empty net before the first minute was on the board.
United looked much better in their pressing and buildup and looked set for cruise control before Bodo’s Evjen scored out of nowhere from a cutback to draw level.
Amorim was left shellshocked after a long ball caught out Malacia for pace as Zinckernagel shot between Onana’s leg to give the visiting team the lead.
United huffed and puffed but Bodo maintained a stubborn shape while posing a threat on the counter until Noussair Mazraoui skipped past some players to cross for Hojlund.
The Dane expertly controlled the ball and finished into the far corner to restore parity heading into the break.
United started the second half the same way they finished the first as Hojlund grabbed his second to give his team the lead just seven minutes into the second half.
Mount assisted expertly as Hojlund made the pure striker’s run to tuck it home for his brace.
Amorim’s team threatened after scoring too, finding joy behind Bodo’s high defensive line but there were no more goals to be had, as even United had to navigate some nervy moments to see off a plucky opposition.
Here’s how the players rated:
Andre Onana – 6
A fall from his usual world-class standards after he let Zinckernagel’s shot through his legs for Bodo’s lead. Spared Dalot’s blushes in the second half with proactive sweeping action. Overall performance would have earned him a better score last season but he’s set higher standards for himself now.
Noussair Mazraoui – 8
No better signing this summer than the Moroccan whose technical ability and intelligence looks a class above everyone else. Jinked past multiple players to cross for Hojlund’s goal. Was untouchable under Ten Hag, has quickly achieved similar status under Amorim.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
Not his usual assertive self and looked a bit panicky in the face of Bodo’s extremely vertical transition threat.
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Got dragged out of position repeatedly which could have been a result of not trusting Malacia completely. Improved before coming off as he managed his minutes after his return from injury.
Antony – 5
Mount made a couple of great runs straight from the training pitch which he couldn’t utilise to his advantage. Worked hard but looked a bit out of place.
Tyrell Malacia – 4
Could easily be rated lower but it would be harsh since he doesn’t look ready to start at this point. Beaten in a foot race for the second goal and was targeted throughout before being taken off. Needs games but better ones than this.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Played as one of the two deeper midfielders only on paper as he regularly ventured forward to the detriment of the team’s balance. Every cutback from Bodo looked like a threat because he was out of position.
Manuel Ugarte – 6.5
Was probably reminded of the empty midfield days under Ten Hag as he ran around to plug the gaps left by Fernandes and Co. Assisted Hojlun’d winner.
Mason Mount – 7
Made some nice runs and stitched the play together. He should only get better in this system as seen in his smart feint and involvement for Hojlund’s goal in the second half.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6.5
Scored the opener after Hojlund’s work to take the ball off the goalkeeper. Repeatedly got into good positions afterward but squandered every chance. That’s the full Garnacho experience- tantalising potential but frustrating.
Rasmus Hojlund – 9
Even outside of his goal, probably the most complete game he has played for United. He has scored more in other games but everything here, from linking up and holding up to shooting and off-the-ball runs was perfect here. A complete centre-forward performance.
Substitutes
Diogo Dalot – 4
Came on at halftime for Malacia and didn’t impress much in a role he’s struggling to adapt to. Gave away the ball under little to no pressure repeatedly, inviting threat when United were hanging on to their lead.
Luke Shaw – 6
Came on in a pretty thankless situation where he might have been the quickest in the slowest back three alongside Mazraoui and Casemiro. Handled himself well.
Marcus Rashford – 6
His pace was the perfect asset to exploit Bodo’s high line and he ran clear many times but the end product was missing.
Amad – 7
Continued as the wingback, a position he has adapted to remarkably quickly. Played some great passes as a creative outlet and should start again on the weekend.
Casemiro – 5
Came on to play as the central centre-back and while his passing was an asset, Bodo realised there was space behind they could exploit and he struggled, getting booked in injury time after handling the ball.
Manager
Ruben Amorim – 8
The team did two things it almost never did recently. They scored quickly, again, and they came back from a deficit to win. His system will take time to become second nature but early signs are exciting and wins like these will help him get his message across with more authority.
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