Ruben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United’s new head coach has found its first glimmer of hope: Rasmus Højlund can be his go-to number nine. The 21-year-old forward delivered a
standout performance, scoring twice and forcing an opening goal through relentless pressing, as Amorim secured his first victory at Old Trafford. Despite this positive takeaway, the performance left more questions than answers.
Højlund’s first goal, which leveled the match just before halftime, sparked a bold celebration. Channeling the iconic Gladiator film, he raised his thumb before turning it downward like a Roman emperor, followed by a throat-slashing gesture. It was a moment of confidence amid a game that demanded far more from the rest of United’s squad.
However, context matters. United's opponents, Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, while spirited and tactically sound, are minnows by comparison. The club hails from a small Arctic Circle town, with a population that could fit comfortably inside Old Trafford—leaving over 20,000 seats empty. Their wage bill, reportedly smaller than the severance United paid to Erik ten Hag and his staff, underscores the gulf between the teams.
Despite this disparity, Bodø/Glimt gave United a scare, leaving Amorim to experiment with tactics, including a back-four formation when out of possession, to counter their threat.
Amorim, still learning about his squad in a live trial-by-fire, made six changes from the weekend draw against Ipswich Town and utilized all five substitutes well before full-time. While Højlund’s performance was encouraging, other players struggled to meet expectations.
Mason Mount showed glimpses of his quality, lasting nearly an hour, while Diogo Dalot performed capably after replacing the rusty Tyrell Malacia, who looked out of sorts following a long injury layoff. Goalkeeper André Onana and defender Noussair Mazraoui also had moments of promise. But for others, it was a night to forget.
The defensive lineup ended chaotically, with a makeshift back five of Amad Diallo, Mazraoui, Casemiro (out of his depth in defense), Luke Shaw, and Dalot. Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez were far from their best, and Amorim’s decision to deploy Antony as a right wing-back proved ineffective. In midfield, the Bruno Fernandes-Manuel Ugarte partnership lacked balance and left the defense exposed.
Despite United’s disjointed display, Højlund stood out as a player suited to Amorim’s system. His pressing, physicality, and finishing evoke comparisons to Viktor Gyökeres, a player Amorim relied on at Sporting Lisbon. Højlund’s involvement in the opening goal—pressuring goalkeeper Nikita Haikin into a mistake that led to Alejandro Garnacho’s tap-in—showcased his hunger and determination.
His two goals were equally impressive. The first came from a deft flick and volley off Mazraoui’s cross, while the second saw him pounce on a clever backheel from Mount to finish Ugarte’s cross. These moments provided Amorim with a blueprint for success.
United’s defensive vulnerabilities were laid bare, as Bodø/Glimt capitalized on counter-attacks to score twice in four minutes. Hakon Evjen finished a swift move with precision, while Philip Zinckernagel exposed Malacia’s lack of sharpness to score through Onana’s legs. Both goals highlighted issues Amorim must urgently address, including defensive positioning and susceptibility to fast transitions.
Højlund’s heroics ensured United regained the lead and secured a hard-fought 3-2 win. Late on, Onana made a crucial save from Patrick Berg’s free-kick, preserving the victory that pushed United closer to the top eight in their group standings.
As the final whistle blew, Old Trafford echoed with cheers—equal parts relief and celebration. While Amorim expressed positivity in his post-match remarks, he is acutely aware of the scale of the challenge ahead. For all the promise shown by Højlund, United’s uneven performance underscores the work required to restore the team to its former glory.
Højlund may have given Amorim a foundation to build upon, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The young Dane’s determination and skill are a beacon of hope, yet the team as a whole must rise to meet the standards demanded at Manchester United. Photo by Agencia LUSA, Wikimedia commons.