Man Utd win for the first time under Amorim

The British newspaper Guardian said that Man Utd's victory was not really convincing, but necessary for them to close in on the group that will go straight to the Europa League round of 16. Hojlund had a hand in all 3 goals, but Alejandro Garnacho and his teammates wasted many opportunities that almost cost the home team.

The Red Devils opened the scoring in the first minute when Hojlund put pressure on goalkeeper Nikita Khaikin and he lost possession. Garnacho seized the opportunity to rush in and shoot into an empty net, scoring so easily that he smiled before shooting. This was the second consecutive match where Man Utd scored in the first two minutes, but things did not go smoothly for the Amorim army.

Despite the home team conceding an early goal, thousands of Norwegian fans still jumped up and down in the stands to cheer. On the pitch, Bodo/Glimt players returned the favor with two goals in four minutes.

In the 19th minute, midfielder Hakon Evjen placed the ball from the edge of the penalty area into the top corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Andre Onana unable to react. Then it was striker Philip Zinckernagel's turn to break down the right side of the penalty area, beat Tyrell Malacia and shot through Onana's legs into the net.

This was Malacia's first game for Man Utd since 28/5/2023, due to his two consecutive knee injuries. That means he started despite being absent for more than 18 months, and the 25-year-old defender is clearly not in the best shape. After making the mistake that led to this goal, the Dutch player shouted: "Fuck".

After conceding two quick goals, coach Amorim shouted at his players to stay calm and continue playing as they had practiced. At the end of the first half, the home team's efforts were rewarded when defender Noussair Mazraoui dribbled past two players on the right and crossed the ball right into Hojlund's path. The Danish striker controlled it for a moment and then shot with his weaker right foot into the far corner, dangerously enough to tie the score at 2-2. At this point, the 39-year-old coach was overjoyed, and he pumped his fist in the air.

Hojlund sealed the win for the visitors, tapping home from close range from Manuel Ugarte's cross. But the credit goes to Mason Mount, whose one-touch backheel allowed Ugarte to escape down the right side of the penalty area. This was also the English midfielder's first start for Man Utd in more than three months.

Bodo/Glimt are ranked 101st in the world, according to Opta's power index, and are just ahead of three Premier League clubs. However, they gave Man Utd a last-ditch effort, with captain Patrick Berg's free-kick going wide, but Onana was able to fly and push it away.

With two consecutive wins in the Europa League, Man Utd are just one point away from the Top 8. In the last three matches, they will face Viktoria Plzen, Rangers and FCSB respectively.