Ruben Amorim secured his first win as Manchester United head coach in dramatic fashion, as the Red Devils came from behind to edge Bodø/Glimt 3-2 at Old Trafford, extending their unbeaten home streak to six matches across all competitions.
After a lightning-fast start against Ipswich on Sunday, Amorim’s men wasted no time here, breaking the deadlock just 49 seconds into the match. Alejandro Garnacho tapped into an empty net, but it was Rasmus Højlund who deserved the plaudits, forcing a critical error from Bodø goalkeeper Nikita Haikin inside his own penalty area.
Despite their early dominance, United failed to capitalize on several chances and were soon punished for their defensive frailties. Håkon Evjen struck a stunning curling effort from the edge of the box to equalize, before Philip Zinckernagel exploited Tyrell Malacia’s rustiness, beating the Dutchman to a long ball and coolly slotting past André Onana. The largest away contingent for a European match at Old Trafford in recent memory erupted in celebration, while Amorim looked on in frustration as his defense faltered yet again.
United, however, responded just before the break through Højlund, who showcased his class with a superbly controlled finish from Noussair Mazraoui’s precise cross. The momentum carried into the second half, and after Mason Mount struck the post with a curling effort, United found the winner. Mount’s clever through-ball released Manuel Ugarte, whose low cross was met by Højlund for his second goal of the night.
Amorim’s halftime adjustments were evident, as United looked far more organized and cohesive after the interval. However, extending their lead proved elusive, with Garnacho missing several gilt-edged chances and Marcus Rashford also failing to convert from promising positions. Defensive changes in the second half, including the introduction of Casemiro and Luke Shaw in a back three, left United somewhat unsettled, but Onana’s late save from a stoppage-time free-kick ensured the victory.
With their second consecutive UEL win, United are now just a point shy of the automatic qualification spots. Meanwhile, Bodø/Glimt slip to a second straight European defeat, with their focus now shifting to a crucial domestic title clash this weekend.