Man united vs bodø/glimt – New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim celebrated victory

Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s new manager, earned his first win at Old Trafford with a dramatic 3-2 Europa League victory against Bodo/Glimt. However, despite the celebration, Amorim admitted that anxiety had been a constant companion as he adjusts to the role.

Having only recently joined the club, the Portuguese coach is under pressure to implement his tactics, specifically a wing-back formation, at a time when the team is struggling with injuries and fixture congestion.

Amorim’s first match at Old Trafford was a whirlwind, featuring a stunning comeback after United fell behind 2-1 in the first half. His team quickly found their rhythm after a quick opener from Alejandro Garnacho, but Bodo/Glimt managed to score two goals in a seven-minute spell.

However, United responded in the second half with a brace from Rasmus Højlund, sealing the win. Amorim expressed relief after Højlund’s equalizer but admitted to frustration over missed opportunities in the second half, where Garnacho and Marcus Rashford both squandered chances to put the game beyond doubt.

The 39-year-old coach acknowledged that the team had not fully implemented his system yet. Amorim, having only had two full training sessions with the squad before his first match, emphasized that his anxiety stemmed from not knowing how his players would adapt to the new formation.

His tactical approach, based on using wing-backs and pressing high up the pitch, was unfamiliar to many of the players, which made it harder for him to predict how things would unfold on matchday. “We go to the game excited, but at the same time you are nervous because you don’t know how the game will go,” he said in his post-match comments.

Injuries continue to be a problem for the club, and Amorim’s squad rotation has been hampered as a result. Tyrell Malacia, playing his first match in 18 months, struggled with the physical demands of the wing-back position and only lasted 45 minutes. Luke Shaw made a substitute appearance, while Mason Mount started his first game since August. However, Amorim was pleased to see the squad’s improved performance, especially after recovering from the early deficit. He commended his players for pushing the tempo and creating more chances, even if they didn’t fully capitalize on them.

The new manager also provided a mixed review of Højlund’s performance. While the striker’s two goals were crucial, Amorim noted that Højlund still has room for improvement, particularly in terms of ball control and decision-making.

“He has to improve more because sometimes he gives too many touches when he holds the ball,” said Amorim. However, the Danish forward’s physical presence and ability to finish in the box were key assets that Amorim intends to build on.

Despite the win, Amorim emphasized that his tactics are a work in progress. He remains focused on improving the team’s ball retention and ensuring they can better control games.

His style of play, which centers on using wing-backs for width and relying on a central striker to hold up the ball, requires significant adaptation from the players. However, Amorim believes that they are making progress and, while the win was important, there is still a lot to work on.

One of the highlights of the evening was the reception from Manchester United fans. Even though Amorim is new to English football and relatively unknown to many supporters, he received a warm reception both when he entered the pitch and when the game concluded.

The fans had even made up a song in his honor, a gesture that deeply moved Amorim. “It was special because I came from Portugal and half of the stadium doesn’t know me,” he said, adding that the support made him feel part of the club.

Looking ahead, the demands of managing United will only intensify. With a hectic schedule and little time for rest, Amorim faces the challenge of ensuring his squad stays fit while implementing his tactical ideas. The team’s next few fixtures come thick and fast, and Amorim will need to manage player fatigue carefully.

However, despite the challenges, the win at Old Trafford marked an encouraging start for Amorim, who is determined to build on the victory and continue to develop his ideas.