Manchester United secured their first three points of the Ruben Amorim era with a 3-2 win over Norwegian outfit Bodø/Glimt on Thursday night.
The result provides a crucial boost for The Red Devils in the Europa League, lifting them to 12th place and keeping automatic qualification in sight, with 8th-placed Rangers now just one point ahead.
Amorim’s men got off to a dream start at Old Trafford, taking the lead within the first minute. Alejandro Garnacho capitalised on a defensive error from Bodø/Glimt, following superb pressing from Rasmus Højlund, to slot home the opener.
However, Kjetil Knutsen’s Bodø/Glimt responded impressively. A stunning strike from Håkon Evjen midway through the first half brought the visitors level before former Watford winger Philip Zinckernagel shocked the home crowd by giving the Norwegian side a 2-1 lead shortly after.
United regained momentum just before half-time, with Højlund demonstrating true poacher's instincts to meet a pinpoint cross from Noussair Mazraoui and turn it past Bodø/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin. Early in the second half, the Danish striker completed his brace with a composed finish to cap off a slick team move, sealing a vital win for The Reds.
Here are the key takeaways from the game.
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Rasmus Højlund is a top finisher
United’s lack of goal threat this season, just 13 Premier League goals so far, has raised doubts about whether Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee can effectively lead the line. However, the Dane’s performance against Bodø/Glimt offered a timely reminder of his capabilities.
Since joining the club in July 2023, Højlund’s biggest challenge has been a lack of service. Under Erik ten Hag, United struggled to deliver quality balls into the box for the 21-year-old to attack. Despite these limitations, Højlund managed a respectable return of 10 goals in 30 Premier League appearances last season, a testament to his clinical finishing when chances do come his way.
Against Bodø/Glimt, United showed marked improvement in possession, creating slick forward moves and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. This provided Højlund with the opportunities he thrives on, and he took full advantage. Both of his goals were a result of excellent team play, finished off with the kind of ruthless precision that highlights his potential as a top striker. If United can sustain this level of service, Højlund is well-equipped to become a prolific scorer under Ruben Amorim.
Højlund’s value, however, extends beyond just goals. His ability to drop deep, link play, and initiate attacks has been crucial to United’s build-up play. The Dane's tireless pressing and crucial off-the-ball work were also on display against Bodø/Glimt, as relentless pressure forced a mistake from the goalkeeper, gifting Garnacho United’s opener.
United fans will be hoping Højlund benefits from the new system and can emulate Sporting CP striker Victor Gyokeres' electric goalscoring form under Amorim, which has seen him score 24 goals in 20 games this season, as United look to continue improving their attacking output under the Portuguese manager.
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United looked vulnerable on the counter
Scoring three goals is always encouraging, but conceding two easy goals against, with all due respect to the Norwegian league leaders, an inferior Bodø/Glimt side will undoubtedly be a concern for Amorim.
Both of the visitors’ goals exposed United's vulnerability to pace on the counterattack. Following Sunday’s draw with Ipswich Town, Amorim pinpointed a lack of fitness as a pressing issue within his squad - a factor that may have contributed to the Reds' inability to cope with Bodø/Glimt’s rapid forward line.
United's fitness issues were particularly evident in the visitors’ second goal. Tyrell Malacia, making his return after 550 days sidelined with a knee injury, was unable to keep up with Zinckernagel in a straight sprint. The Danish winger capitalised on the lapse, calmly slotting the ball past Andre Onana.
Defensive frailties are perhaps to be expected as United adapt to Amorim’s new system. With players still adjusting to their revised roles, occasional lapses in positioning are inevitable. However, the Reds must accelerate this learning curve and solidify their defensive structure to avoid being punished in the unforgiving environment of the Premier League.
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Mazraoui was excellent again
Noussair Mazraoui continues to reinforce his status as one of the signings of the season. Acquired from Bayern Munich for an initial fee of £12.8 million, with potential add-ons bringing the total to £17 million, the Moroccan international has swiftly established himself as an integral part of this United side. Initially seen as a shrewd financial move, Mazraoui has far exceeded expectations with performances that highlight his exceptional quality and adaptability.
Against Bodø/Glimt, Mazraoui delivered another stellar display, epitomised by his sublime assist for Højlund's first goal. His perfectly weighted pass sliced through the opposition defence, plucking a chance out of nowhere for Højlund.
However, it is not just Mazraoui's attacking prowess that has caught the eye. The 27-year-old's versatility has been valuable to United’s success this season.
Whether deployed as a traditional full-back, an inverted option driving into midfield, or as a right centre-back as we have seen under Amorim's tenure so far, he has demonstrated remarkable tactical intelligence and adaptability.
Mazraoui's ability to excel in multiple roles will provide manager Ruben Amorim with invaluable flexibility, particularly during a period of transition and adjustment to a new system.
The Moroccan's consistency has also been a stabilising factor in a United defence that has sometimes struggled with injuries in recent months. His work rate, defensive solidity, composure under pressure, and ability to read the game have made him one of Amorim's most trusted players.
As United strive for stability and success across all competitions, Mazraoui’s importance cannot be overstated. It is clear that the Moroccan is not only a bargain but a vital cog in United's ambitions moving forward.
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Ugarte has settled in well
Manuel Ugarte has wasted no time in adapting to life at Manchester United, proving to be a crucial addition since his summer move from Sporting Lisbon for an initial fee of £42 million.
The Uruguayan midfielder has brought grit, energy, and technical quality to United's midfield since arrival, qualities that were on full display in the win over Bodø/Glimt. Ugarte showcased his trademark tenacity, breaking up opposition attacks with precision and providing a stable defensive shield in front of the backline.
Beyond his defensive contributions, Ugarte’s ability to progress the ball efficiently has also been impressive. His sharp distribution and composure under pressure allow United to transition smoothly from defence to attack, offering a vital link in Amorim’s tactical setup. Against the Eliteserien leaders, his intelligent positioning and ball recovery were instrumental in helping United regain control during crucial moments of the game.
At 23 years old, Ugarte has displayed a remarkable maturity that belies his age, effortlessly adapting to the rigours of Premier League football. Now reunited with Rúben Amorim, his former manager under whom he thrived at Sporting CP, Ugarte appears poised to become a cornerstone of United’s ambitions.
The Uruguayan's understanding of Amorim’s tactical approach and his proven ability to execute it with precision will make him vital to United's system going forward. With his blend of defensive tenacity and composure on the ball, Ugarte is expected to play a decisive role for the Reds this season.
