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Manchester United take on Bodo/Glimt tonight in the fifth game of the Europa League’s initial stage.
The Red Devils are aiming to get their second consecutive win in the tournament after last matchday’s Amad Diallo inspired 2-0 victory over PAOK.
A win would help propel United up the league standings and closer to the crucial top eight spots which guarantee automatic qualification for the last 16 stage.
Here are three storylines to enjoy as United welcome the Norwegian champions to Old Trafford.
United’s first competitive match against a Norwegian side
The Red Devils have a famous connection with the Scandinavian country with players such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ronny Johnsen and Henning Berg all playing a crucial role in the 1999 treble winning season.
Solskjaer would later manage the club and come within a penalty kick of lifting the Europa League trophy in 2021. United are incredibly popular in Norway and have often travelled to the country for pre-season matches like last July’s contest against Rosenborg BK.
However, tonight’s match against Bodo/Glimt is the first competitive game that United will have played against Norwegian opposition in any European competition, which makes the fixture an historical one, regardless of the score.
In fact Den Gule Horde have only ever played English opposition twice before, losing 3-0 and 1-0 against Arsenal in the 2022/2023 Europa League season.
Ruben Amorim will be welcomed by the Old Trafford crowd
Despite Erik ten Hag’s dismissal being a month ago, Amorim is yet to play a game at Old Trafford.
He was warmly welcomed by the travelling fans who took the long journey to Portman Road but tonight will represent his first managerial experience at Old Trafford.
United fans are famously loyal and supportive of their bosses, so Amorim can expect a boisterous reception from an expectant crowd.
Whilst getting three points on the board is the biggest assignment of the night, Amorim will hope that his side can put in a more free-flowing effort than they did in his debut game last Sunday.
He will also hope it will be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the Theatre of Dreams.
Bruno Fernandes could make history
After providing a sumptuous cross for Amad to open the scoring versus PAOK last time out in the competition, Bruno Fernandes became the joint highest assist maker in the history of the tournament.
He has 15 in total and with the player tied with him, Bořek Dočkal retired, he can expect to open up a sizeable lead over the former Czech star.
Fernandes had a disappointing opening match under Amorim but he has been tipped in some quarters to make an outstanding impact under his compatriot and will hope to start tonight.
Despite a mixed start to the season, Fernandes has four goals and seven assists in all competitions and will see tonight as a good opportunity to enhance his record.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
