Hojlund Shines as Manchester United Come From Behind to Beat Bodo/Glimt in Europa League

Rasmus Hojlund scores twice to secure a comeback win for Manchester United over Bodo/Glimt in Ruben Amorim’s first Europa League match at Old Trafford. 

Manchester United commenced their Old Trafford journey under new manager Ruben Amorim with a victory, as his team rallied from behind to defeat Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

In Amorim’s debut match leading Ipswich, United scored in just 81 seconds. This time, they netted the first goal in only 48 seconds.

Goalkeeper Nikita Haikin made a catastrophic error by inexplicably allowing Rasmus Hojlund to close in on him during a routine clearance, resulting in an easy tap-in for Alejandro Garnacho.

Instead of leading to an easy victory, it set the stage for a frustrating period for the hosts. Bodo/Glimt quickly changed the game’s dynamics by scoring two goals in four minutes, taking the lead just a quarter into the match.

Fortunately for United, Hojlund elicited a delighted cheer from Amorim with an exceptional finish that brought them level before halftime.

Hojlund secured the victory by converting Manuel Ugarte’s cross from close range just five minutes into the second half.

Amorim will be pleased with the result, as it improves United’s prospects of securing a top-eight finish in the Europa League table and automatic qualification for the last 16 in March. However, he will also feel frustrated by his team’s numerous missed opportunities to secure an easier path to victory.

Garnacho carried a significant amount of responsibility. The Argentine attempted a shot across the goal, despite teammates being in better positions. Later on, he had an opportunity set up by Amad Diallo but ended up curling his shot over the bar without any pressure from opponents.

Marcus Rashford, who came on as a substitute, fired a shot wide while United kept up the pressure. However, they couldn’t secure a fourth goal, resulting in some tense moments until the final whistle granted Amorim his first victory since departing from Sporting earlier this month.

Hojlund dazzles at Old Trafford.

Perceptions of Hojlund vary over time.

United have consistently emphasized that the £72 million fee was invested in a player they believed had the potential to become a top striker.

As Ten Hag unfortunately discovered, time at a top club is limited.

Scoring eighteen goals in 56 matches before this game is just average. After the draw at Ipswich, where Hojlund began on the bench, Amorim acknowledged that Marcus Rashford isn’t ideal for the number nine position. Consequently, much of the responsibility falls on Hojlund’s shoulders.

His equalizing goal was outstanding. Hojlund expertly controlled Mazraoui’s cross, swiftly adjusting his body to take the shot before the ball touched down. His celebration drew inspiration from the newly-released Gladiator film – but he wasn’t done yet.

The ex-Atalanta striker’s second goal was more conventional, as he slid in to convert Ugarte’s cross from close range.

The 21-year-old could have scored his first hat-trick for United if Garnacho had chosen to pass instead of concluding a strong forward run with his own shot. After the initial attempt was saved, Hojlund couldn’t capitalize on the rebound.

Instead, he has doubled his season tally to four and demonstrated that he could secure a regular spot in Amorim’s team.

United’s defense remains a worry.

One concerning pattern that emerged for United under Erik ten Hag was their tendency to allow goals in quick succession.

Earlier in the campaign, both Porto and Liverpool scored twice within seven minutes of each other. Bodo/Glimt surpassed them by scoring two goals in just four minutes.

There was something uncannily familiar about how the hosts started strong but then conceded a goal out of nowhere.

After losing the ball in their own half, their defensive structure fell apart. Both wing-backs were positioned too far up the pitch, allowing the visitors to flood into United’s box.

Hakon Evjen found himself with ample space on the edge of the area, allowing him plenty of time to aim for his chosen spot—the top corner.

Bodo/Glimt’s second goal came easily as Philip Zinckernagel outmatched Tyrell Malacia in both strength and speed. Making his first appearance in 18 months, Malacia was substituted at half-time with Diogo Dalot taking his place.

Malacia found himself vulnerable as neither Lisandro Martinez nor Matthijs de Ligt provided any support, allowing Zinckernagel to fire a shot into the far corner.

For Amorim, it was a relief that the game didn’t end with the same familiar result as it often did under Ten Hag.

In five of the Dutchman’s previous six European matches, United secured an early lead but failed to secure a win. Amorim was grateful to goalkeeper Andre Onana for preventing this pattern from continuing.

After turning the game around and missing numerous opportunities to secure the victory, Onana had to make a crucial save in injury time. He clawed away a free-kick from Patrick Berg that was destined for the top corner, ensuring that the hosts could celebrate their win. This triumph moved them up to 12th place in the 36-team standings—just one point shy of reaching a top-eight position—with three games remaining.

BBC