Ruben Amorim expressed frustration with certain aspects of Manchester United’s performance during their Europa League match against Bodo/Glimt, despite the team securing a 3-2 victory.
United started the game strongly, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring in the opening minute, giving the home side a perfect start. However, the lead was short-lived as Bodo/Glimt responded quickly, with Håkon Evjen equalizing and Philip Zinckernagel adding another to put the visitors ahead. Rasmus Højlund came to United’s rescue, equalizing with a composed finish before halftime and later netting the decisive goal in the second half. His performance further solidified his case for a regular starting role.
While Amorim was encouraged by the team’s stronger showing in the second half, particularly the contributions of Højlund and Noussair Mazraoui, he was visibly upset with the first-half display. The early stages of the match exposed tactical vulnerabilities, prompting Amorim to make significant adjustments during the break. These changes ultimately proved crucial in securing the win but highlighted areas that require improvement.
One specific source of frustration for Amorim was the team’s inability to effectively utilize Antony’s positioning as a right wing-back. Reports from The United Stand noted that Amorim was animated on the touchline, expressing displeasure at the slow ball movement toward Antony, who was making his first start of the season. Antony was substituted in the second half as Amorim implemented further tactical changes to turn the game around.
This victory marked Amorim’s first win as United manager, following a 1-1 draw against Ipswich. However, he acknowledged the challenges ahead and emphasized the importance of sticking to his long-term vision for the team. In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, he stated, “Right now, we cannot completely control matches, but the players are giving their all.
This approach comes with risks, but avoiding them would mean facing the same issues next season. It’s normal for players to feel uncertain at times, but staying committed to these ideas is essential for long-term progress.”
Amorim also addressed criticisms of his tactics, clarifying that his philosophy goes beyond the 3-4-3 formation often discussed by analysts. “It’s more about understanding the dynamics of the game,” he explained. “There’s a significant amount of work to be done in this area, and our goal is to achieve steady growth over time.”
Despite the hurdles, Amorim remains focused on laying the foundation for sustained success, with a clear emphasis on patience and gradual development.
