Ruben Amorim’s Thrilling First Win at Old Trafford with Man Utd
In an exciting and hard-fought Europa League encounter, Ruben Amorim marked his first victory as Manchester United’s manager with a 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford. The match, which was filled with drama, showcased Amorim's early influence on the team despite the challenges he faces in his transition to the club.
The 39-year-old Portuguese manager admitted to feeling anxious during the game, noting the pressure of implementing a new tactical approach with a squad that’s still adjusting to his methods. Having taken over mid-season, Amorim has had limited time with his players, with just a few full training sessions before the game. Despite this, his system—a wing-back formation that’s unfamiliar to Manchester United—seemed to show signs of promise, although it’s clear that there’s still much work to be done.
The game itself was a rollercoaster, beginning with a bang as Alejandro Garnacho scored just 48 seconds into the match. However, Bodo/Glimt responded swiftly, taking the lead with two quick-fire goals. Just as the game seemed to slip away, Rasmus Højlund stepped up with a brace to level the score before halftime. His first goal, a powerful header, and his second, a calm finish under pressure, were crucial in giving United the momentum to close out the game.
Also Read:- Sara Amini Joins James Wan and Simu Liu's Thrilling Espionage Series on Peacock
- Packers Top Dolphins 30-17, Finishing Thanksgiving with a Win
Amorim was pleased with his team’s improved control over the game compared to their previous outing, stating that they had “pushed the team a bit higher” and created more chances. However, he also expressed frustration at missed opportunities, particularly in the second half, where both Garnacho and Marcus Rashford failed to convert key chances. The manager acknowledged that his team could have “killed the game” earlier, yet he remained encouraged by the attacking spirit and the improvement in ball possession, which has been a point of emphasis for him.
One of the standout performances was from Højlund, who despite showing signs of exhaustion by the end of the match, delivered when it mattered. Amorim praised the Danish striker for his role in the game, emphasizing his importance in transitions and the way he occupied the opposition’s defense. However, Amorim also pointed out areas where Højlund needs to improve, particularly in reducing the number of touches when holding the ball, which can sometimes slow down the attack.
Amorim’s tactical approach, centered around high pressing and wing-backs, places a significant physical demand on the players, something the team is still adapting to. With several key players returning from injury—like Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount—the manager’s rotations are crucial to managing the squad’s fitness. In fact, Amorim made five substitutions during the match, underlining the importance of keeping the players fresh as the fixtures pile up.
Despite the challenges, Amorim was clearly moved by the reception he received from the Old Trafford crowd. Reflecting on his debut, he said it was a “special” moment, especially considering he had just arrived from Portugal, and many of the fans weren’t familiar with him yet. He was visibly touched by their support, and the victory felt like a step in the right direction as he continues to build his vision for the club.
As Amorim looks ahead to a packed schedule, with little time for rest between matches, it’s clear that the manager is committed to implementing his style while navigating the demands of managing a top club in transition. United fans will be hopeful that, under his leadership, the team can continue to improve and build momentum, especially as they aim to secure qualification for the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Read More:
0 Comments