Ruben Amorim described his first home game as Manchester United manager as an unforgettable experience following a dramatic 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League. The thrilling encounter at Old Trafford showcased both the potential and the challenges his team faces under his leadership.
The atmosphere was electric from the outset, with the crowd buzzing as Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring just two minutes into the match. The early goal seemed to set the stage for a comfortable debut for Amorim at Old Trafford.
However, the visitors had other plans. Bodo/Glimt responded strongly, with Hakon Evjen equalizing and Philip Zinckernagel adding a second to turn the game on its head, putting the Norwegian side in the lead. Their resurgence threatened to derail what had started as a promising night for the Red Devils.
Manchester United found their hero in Rasmus Hojlund, who stepped up in crucial moments to save the game. The Danish striker fired a spectacular equalizer just before halftime, reigniting hope among the home fans.
Early in the second half, Hojlund struck again, finishing off a perfectly delivered cross from Manuel Ugarte to complete the comeback. Despite mounting pressure from Bodo/Glimt in the latter stages of the match, United held firm to secure a hard-fought victory.
After the game, Amorim reflected on the highs and lows of the performance. He praised the team’s resilience and ability to stay focused, even during difficult stretches when they trailed.
While acknowledging areas for improvement, Amorim expressed pride in how his players followed the game plan and showed mental toughness to turn the tide in their favor. He emphasized that the match demonstrated the progress the squad has made in the short time since his arrival.
Amorim also took a moment to thank the fans for their incredible support, calling the Old Trafford crowd a key factor in the team’s spirited display. He highlighted the special connection he already feels with the Manchester United faithful, despite being new to the club. For Amorim, the victory was not just a thrilling introduction to life at Old Trafford but also an important foundation for building a successful era at the club.
The game served as a reminder of the work ahead for Amorim as he seeks to mold United into a team capable of competing at the highest level. Still, the thrilling comeback and the passion shown by both players and fans provided a glimpse of the exciting potential that lies ahead under his leadership.