Manchester United are now fully under new management after last weekend’s draw with Ipswich, and Ruben Amorim has spent most of his time at the club so far either dealing with media questions about his style of play, or trying to teach his players about the style of play. We saw on Sunday that the players are certainly needing some time to adjust to their new roles, with many looking around for guidance and playing with a feeling of uncertainty and lacking clear decision making. With an extra few days of training and meetings for the manager, it was hoped that Amorim’s first game in the dugout at Old Trafford would be hugely boosted by a big crown support on the Thursday night clash with FK Bodø/Glimt, while the opponents would have certainly been hoping there was still some players lacking clarity in their role to provide them with a strong chance of getting something from the game. With the visitors sitting 3 places higher than United in the Europa League table, it has become key for all teams in this new-look format to get as many points as possible to claim automatic qualification for the last 16, and avoid the extra round for qualification to the knockout stages.

The game showed a lot of the good and bad of the new-look United as they continue to get an understanding of the instructions coming from the new man in the dugout. Goals were flying in during the first 45 minutes as United again scored early, but were pegged back as the defensive uncertainty and lack of cohesion in the new roles for certain players were exposed.

Ultimately, with United coming away with a win, Amorim had his first success at Old Trafford, and with the Europa League potentially offering a route to some sort of success among the disaster of the Premier League that Amorim must contend with, this will be seen as a success in the most part, with room to improve and develop in several areas.

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Teams

Manchester United continued with the expected 3-4-3 from new manager Amorim, and he tweaked the selection for his second game in charge. He gave Malacia a surprising start after a long layoff with injury, opted for Antony at right wing-back before bringing Amad on later in the game in that role, a midfield 2 of Ugarte and Fernandes, while Mount was given the nod ahead of Rashford, although this change also occurred midway through the second half. A notable late tactical choice was swapping out De Ligt for Casemiro at centre back which may have been due to options on the bench, but could indicate Casemiro’s role in this squad being part of the back three rather than in the midfield where more speed and energy is needed.

For Bodø/Glimt, there weren’t any notable names to the UK audience that would have stood out, but they did offer a threat in attack as they had Evjen and Zinckernagel on the scoresheet, and Patrick Berg had a strong showing.

Manchester United: Onana, Martinez (Shaw 60′), De Ligt (Casemiro 66′), Mazraoui, Malacia (Dalot 46′), Fernandes, Ugarte, Antony (Amad 59′), Garnacho, Mount (Rashford 59′), Hojlund

Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Eriksen, Mainoo, Zirkzee

FK Bodø/Glimt: Haikin, Bjorkan, Gundersen, Bjortuft, Wembangomo (Sjovold 63′), Fet (Saltnes 71′), Berg, Evjen (Auklend 83′), Hauge, Helmersen (Hogh 63′), Zinckernagel (Maatta 71′)

Subs: Lund, Sorensen, Moe, Nielsen, Mikkelsen, Espejord, Sorli

Manchester United 3-2 FK Bodø/Glimt

Manchester United came from behind to secure Ruben Amorim’s first win as their head coach, edging out Bodo/Glimt 3–2 in a roller-coaster Europa League night at Old Trafford. Alejandro Garnacho capitalised on a goalkeeper error within the opening minute to hand United an early lead, pouncing on a loose back-pass that goalkeeper Nikita Haikin failed to control under pressure from Rasmus Højlund. But the euphoria was short-lived as Håkon Evjen produced a sublime curling finish in the 19th minute, and just four minutes later Philip Zinckernagel outpaced Tyrell Malacia, who was making his first appearance in around 18 months, slotting a composed finish past André Onana to stun the Old Trafford crowd.

Rasmus Højlund proved to be the game-changer, first equalising just before the break with a composed finish from Noussair Mazraoui’s clever service, then restoring United’s lead mere minutes into the second half. His second, set up by a Mason Mount flick and Manuel Ugarte’s cross, gave United the edge they needed, settling the contest despite continued pressure from the visitors. Amid a nerve-wracking finale, André Onana pulled off a couple of key stops to preserve the narrow advantage, even avoiding a potential red card late on after appearing to handle the ball just outside his area, a decision that sparked debate on social media.

Amorim described the match as a true “roller-coaster,” greeting the fans’ warm reception with heartfelt gratitude even as he acknowledged moments of chaos on the pitch. He praised his players’ pressing and energy despite the teething problems typical of a new managerial tenure, while emphasizing that the three points and the passionate support made it a special night. he result lifted United to 12th in the Europa League standings, offering a promising if unpolished start under their new boss.

Talking Points

Rúben Amorim’s first home game in charge of Manchester United was always going to be an occasion, and the Portuguese coach was given a proper Old Trafford roller-coaster on his debut. The crowd responded warmly to his animated presence on the touchline, and while the performance was far from flawless, Amorim’s fingerprints were already visible in the team’s higher pressing and willingness to play with more direct tempo. The defensive lapses that gifted Bodo/Glimt two first-half goals will concern him, but he spoke afterwards about the need for patience as his methods bed in. What mattered most was that his reign began with victory, and he left the pitch acknowledging the support with an evident sense of relief.

Rasmus Højlund was once again United’s European spearhead, delivering two decisive strikes to drag his side through a testing contest. The Dane has had to be patient for goals domestically, but his Europa League form has been a constant bright spot, and his brace here underlined both his instinctive finishing and his growing maturity as a focal point. His equaliser on the stroke of half-time steadied United after Bodo/Glimt’s turnaround, and his second just after the restart gave the home side control at a key moment. In many ways, Højlund embodied what Amorim will want his United side to become: direct, fearless, and ruthless in the penalty area.

Still, United needed more than just their centre-forward to get over the line. A late save from André Onana, a debatable non-decision when he appeared to handle outside his box, and some wasteful finishing from the visitors all combined to ensure the three points stayed in Manchester. Bodo/Glimt will rightly feel they deserved more, but Amorim and United will not be overly concerned about the manner of victory. For a team trying to reset under a new manager, results matter most, and this hard-fought win was a valuable step in the right direction. It was not polished, but it was progress, and Old Trafford has waited a while to be able to say that.