Five issues Ruben Amorim discovered as Man Utd survive scare to beat Bodo/Glimt
Ruben Amorim secured a nervy first win as Manchester United came from behind to beat Norwegian high-flyers Bodo/Glimt 3-2 in the Europa League on Thursday.
The 39-year-old was greeted with a rousing reception at Old Trafford as he sat in the home dugout for the first time since taking over as manager. The Red Devils’ European campaign has been poor this season with just one win in their first four games.
After a mediocre performance against Ipswich Town, Amorim was hoping that a few more training sessions perfecting his new 3-4-3 system would help the squad.
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They started fast once again with Alejandro Garnacho capitalising on a mistake from Bodo goalkeeper Nikita Kahikin to score after just 50 seconds.
Despite this, the visitors didn’t give up and United’s aggression going forward left them vulnerable at the back, with Hakon Evjen thumping home the equaliser. Bodo took the lead moments later through former Watford star Phillip Zinkernagel before Rasmus Hojlund’s exquisite finish brought things back level.
The Danish international then grabbed the winner in the second half getting ahead of the Bodo defence to poke home a ball across goal.
Hojlund can thrive in the new system
(Image: Getty Images)
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United’s No.9 has struggled at times this season, but the new system and new coach seems to have given him a new lease of life.
Let’s not forget that Hojlund is only 21-years-old and has plenty of time to develop into a top-class centre-forward. There’s a certain amount of pressure that comes with leading the line for the Red Devils though so he will have to start scoring on a consistent basis soon.
Amorim likes his striker to be aggressive and play off the back line, both of which Hojlund proved capable of doing that tonight, as he scored twice and played a huge part in the opening goal.
There is room for adaptation
Since Amorim joined there have been doubts as to whether the current United players suit his 3-4-3 system. Ten Hag favoured a 4-2-3-1 but the Portuguese coach has been very vocal about playing a certain way.
A shaky first half saw him adapt slightly with a more defensive approach though – reverting to a back four when out of possession.
The change worked well and could be the perfect compromise going forward.
United can’t be complacent after going ahead
For the second time in successive matches, United started quickly. The high levels of energy shown from the first whistle we rarely saw under the reign of Erik ten Hag.
The wing backs were consistently stepping up against Bodo and Hojlund’s pressing game forced the mistake from Kahikin allowing Garnacho to score.
However, United looked complacent after they went ahead and were quick to show defensive vulnerabilities which the visitors capitalised on.
Mount’s revival could be on
(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Since moving to Old Trafford in 2023 Mount has struggled with injuries and failed to impress on a regular basis.
However, the midfielder has returned from his latest setback with a newfound level of determination.
New manager Amorim recently praised Mount’s attitude and he thrived in an attacking midfield position against Bodo, constantly finding pockets of space and helping set up the third goal.
Injury crisis is coming to an end
The return of Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Mount in recent weeks provided a huge boost to Amorim ahead of a busy Christmas period.
United had one of the worst injury records in the league under Ten Hag, and while it ultimately can’t be blamed for his downfall it certainly played a part.
Now they have several players to choose from in every position with highly rated defender Leny Yoro who is yet to make a competitive debut for the club expected to return to full fitness soon.
