Manchester United 3-2 Bodo/Glimt: Hojlund Brace Seals Amorim’s First Win
Old Trafford, November 28, 2024
Manchester United marked Ruben Amorim’s first home game in charge with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League. Rasmus Hojlund stole the show with a brace, securing the win in a hard-fought contest under the lights at Old Trafford.
United started in explosive fashion, with Alejandro Garnacho netting inside the first minute, but Bodo/Glimt responded quickly with two goals before the half-hour mark. Hojlund equalised just before the break and then fired home again early in the second half to complete the comeback, delivering Amorim his first victory as United boss.
First Half – Rasmus Rescues United
Amorim made six changes from the side that faced Ipswich Town, and the fresh approach paid off immediately. Within seconds, United applied high pressure, forcing a mistake from goalkeeper Nikita Haikin. Hojlund’s determination won the ball, allowing Garnacho to pounce and slot into an empty net for the opener.
Despite United’s early dominance, Bodo/Glimt turned the game on its head. In the 19th minute, Sondre Brunstad Fet’s pass found Hakon Evjen, who curled a brilliant 20-yard effort beyond Andre Onana to level the score. Just four minutes later, Patrick Berg’s sweeping through ball found Philip Zinckernagel, who outpaced Tyrell Malacia and finished coolly through Onana’s legs to put the visitors in front.
United pressed for an equaliser, and it arrived on the stroke of half-time. Noussair Mazraoui’s cross was brilliantly controlled by Hojlund, who adjusted his body and volleyed home with his right foot to restore parity.
Second Half – Heroic Hojlund Secures Victory
United resumed after the break with renewed energy. Mason Mount almost put the hosts ahead, rattling the crossbar with a curling effort. The breakthrough came just minutes later. Mazraoui threaded a pass through the Bodo/Glimt defence, with Mount flicking it into the path of Manuel Ugarte, who squared for Hojlund to calmly slot home his second goal of the night.
Bodo/Glimt continued to push forward, creating space for United’s counterattacks. The introduction of Amad and Marcus Rashford injected further attacking threat, while Luke Shaw’s return from injury added defensive stability.
The visitors almost capitalised on a defensive lapse with 15 minutes remaining, forcing Onana into a crucial recovery save outside his box. Shortly after, Garnacho had a golden chance to extend United’s lead but blazed his shot over the bar from inside the penalty area.
As the clock ticked down, Onana was called into action once more, punching away a dangerous free-kick in stoppage time. His interventions proved decisive, and United held firm to seal the victory and continue their strong start to the Europa League campaign.
Match Details:
Manchester United XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt (Casemiro 66), Martinez (Shaw 60), Antony (Amad 59), Ugarte, Fernandes (c), Malacia (Dalot 45), Mount (Rashford 59), Garnacho, Hojlund.
Unused substitutes: Bayindir, Heaton, Eriksen, Mainoo, Zirkzee.
Goals: Garnacho 1, Hojlund 45, 50.
Booked: Onana, Casemiro.
Bodo/Glimt XI: Haikin; Wembangomo (Sjovold 62), Gundersen, Bjortufy, Bjorkan; Evjen (Auklend 83), Berg (c) (Saltnes 71), Brunstad Fet (Saltnes 71); Zinckernagel (Maata 72), Helmersen (Hogh 62), Hauge.
Unused substitutes: Lund, Nielsen, Espejord, Moe, Sorli, Sorensen, Mikkelsen.
Goals: Evjen 19, Zinckernagel 23.
Booked: Helmersen.
Post-Match Reactions
Ruben Amorim was delighted with his team’s fighting spirit: “It was a fantastic response after going behind. The energy, intensity, and resilience were exactly what I wanted to see.”
Hojlund, the match-winner, added: “It’s always special to score in Europe, but more importantly, we got the win. The fans were incredible, and I’m happy to have contributed.”
United will look to build on this result as they shift focus back to the Premier League, with another crucial fixture on the horizon.
