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Manchester United claimed back-to-back wins in the Europa League for the first time this season with a 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford on Thursday on what was Ruben Amorim’s first home game.
The three points mean the Red Devils are up to 12th in the Europa League table with the top eight directly progressing through to the knockout stages.
It was yet another whirlwind start from the hosts, as they took the lead within 50 seconds through Alejandro Garnacho after some excellent pressing from Rasmus Hojlund created the opportunity.
But as was the case against Ipswich Town last weekend, United switched off and were made to pay as the Norwegian side scored twice in the space of four minutes to take a shock lead under the lights at the Theatre of Dreams.
Hojlund on fire
But the Dane, given the nod to start up front, did not let his head down and scored a brilliant equaliser right at the stroke of half-time before claiming the winner early in the second-half.
Amorim was concerned with the lack of goals prior to the game but he will be delighted with the 21-year-old’s performance on the night.
While he has already made clear that there will be rotations moving forward, the former Atalanta star made it pretty clear who should be top dog when it comes to playing as the striker.
He was sharp with his movement, and his finish for his first of the game will give him immense confidence moving forward. The winner will have pleased Amorim with the team showing intelligence and class.
The Denmark international dovetailed nicely with both Mason Mount and Alejandro Garnacho with the Englishman opted to play on the right.
The former Chelsea man’s intelligent touch set up United’s winner and his relentless pressing ability will have pleased the head coach. Now for him to stay fit.
Whether he will start consecutive games at the weekend remains to be seen but he seemed a better fit than Bruno Fernandes was against the Tractor Boys.
As for the Argentine, he netted his eighth of the campaign and always looked to be positive despite the opportunities missed, which is a great attribute to have.
But the sheer number of chances he spurned was a concerning sight. The academy graduate always seems to fluff his lines from the easiest of chances while putting away the hard ones. Amorim must direct his coaches to try and work on this aspect of his game.
Wingback trouble
While the attacking trio enjoyed a fruitful evening, the wingbacks who started the game — Antony on the right and Tyrell Malacia on the left — left a lot to be desired.
The Dutchman did not look fit at all and his lack of pace was horribly exposed for Bodo/Glimt’s second on the night. As for the Brazilian, his days surely look numbered as he always slowed down the attacking momentum, taking unnecessary touches despite having the opportunity to play a quicker pass.
Amad Diallo did a fine job when he came on, in place of the former Ajax star, while Diogo Dalot was brought on at the start of the second half for Malacia.
While Amorim is still expected to change things for the Premier League game against Everton, both the Ivorian and Dalot are likely to start as they look the most competent in those wide areas at the moment.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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