Rasmus Højlund’s double secured a dramatic 3-2 victory for Manchester United against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, marking a memorable first home win for new manager Ruben Amorim. In a rollercoaster encounter at Old Trafford, United overcame an early scare to deliver a vital result.
United burst into action almost instantly, with Alejandro Garnacho capitalising on a catastrophic error by Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin. However, the visitors quickly turned the game on its head. Håkon Evjen’s clinical strike brought the Norwegian side level, and Philip Zinckernagel stunned the home crowd with a blistering run and finish to put the underdogs ahead.
Højlund restored parity with a composed finish just before halftime, setting the stage for his decisive second goal early in the second half. The Danish striker tapped home after a clever assist from Manuel Ugarte, sealing the win for a United side that had to fend off a late surge from the spirited visitors.
Amorim, who made six changes to his starting XI after Sunday’s draw with Ipswich, admitted the game was a learning experience. The Portuguese manager received a warm welcome from the Old Trafford faithful.
United started the game with promise as Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes threatened Haikin’s goal. However, Bodo/Glimt’s well-crafted equaliser and their swift counterattack for the second goal exposed United’s defensive frailties.
Højlund’s composed first-half strike brought some respite, and Amorim’s tactical switch at halftime—replacing Tyrell Malacia with Diogo Dalot and reverting to a back four—stabilised the side. Mount’s ingenuity set up the decisive goal, with Højlund adding the finishing touch.
Despite squandering late chances, United held firm, with André Onana producing a crucial stoppage-time save to deny Patrick Berg’s free-kick. The victory lifts United to 12th in the Europa League standings, with two wins and three draws from their first five matches in the revamped group stage.
For Amorim, the night offered a glimpse of both the challenges and the potential of his new team. “This is just the beginning,” he said, as United fans savoured the first signs of a turnaround under their new manager.
