Ruben Amorim was an animated figure on the touchline as United beat Bodo/Glimt
Manchester United claimed their first win under Ruben Amorim as they rode out a tricky period to beat Bodo/Glimt and move up the Europa League standings.
Amorim's Old Trafford debut was threatening to unravel after a golden start had come undone. Alejandro Garnacho had given them the lead after 48 seconds, tapping into an empty net after a mistake from goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, but the visitors scored twice in four minutes midway through the first half.
They held on to that lead for 22 minutes but Rasmus Hojlund equalised just before half-time, a vital goal that turned the tide of the game. Hojlund then scored a well-worked third goal and United survived a nervy finale to claim a much-needed victory.
ALSO READ: Manchester United player ratings vs Bodo Glimt
ALSO READ: Manchester United vs Bodo Glimt as it happened
Changing system
Amorim defended his 3-4-3 system at Ipswich by explaining that his side had defended in a 4-4-2 at times, and it looks like a tactical switch he will use regularly at United.
While United again used a back three and wing-backs high up the pitch when building up play, they switched to a back four every time Bodo/Glimt restarted the game. In the first half that involved Noussair Mazraoui at right-back, Tyrell Malacia at left-back and Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez in the middle.
In midfield, Antony and Garnacho went to the wings, with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte in midfield, while Mason Mount pressed high up with Hojlund.
Amorim had made all five subs by midway through the second half, but the tactical plan remained the same, even if the personnel had changed. Now, the back four read Mazraoui at right-back, Casemiro and Luke Shaw at centre-back, and Diogo Dalot at left-back.
The fact that United were able to switch between systems when in and out of possession showed the level of information Amorim and his staff have already imparted to those players. That cohesion can only improve in the weeks ahead.
Martinez message
United were holding an inquest at the back as Philip Zinckernagel ran to the corner of the Stretford End to celebrate giving Bodo/Glimt a stunning lead at Old Trafford.
But as Andre Onana discussed the defensive lapse with his centre-backs, Amorim shouted across to Martinez, pointing to the area on the pitch that the Argentine had just been dragged into and then holding both palms to the floor.
It looked like a clear message to Martinez to stay calm. His rash move to push so high up the pitch was unnecessary. He was never going to get close enough to impact the play and was then out of position to deal with the ball over the top.
If he had remained next to De Ligt, he would have been in a better position to help out Malacia, who couldn't keep up with Zinckernagel.
Away end helps the atmosphere
This was the start of what could be a memorable few days in the history of Bodo/Glimt, who became the first Norwegian side to play against United in a competitive game and could win the league on the final day of the season this Sunday.
They sold out an allocation of more than 6,700 tickets, and the away end was full well over half an hour before kick-off. It was a yellow wall inside Old Trafford, and they added to the atmosphere.
When their team scored twice in the space of four first-half minutes, they were in dreamland. It didn't last, but they will remember that spell in the game for a long time.
Their presence aided the atmosphere inside Old Trafford, with the home fans once again in outstanding voice. It's just a shame about those ticket price rises that have dominated the agenda and damaged the goodwill this week.
Amorim keeps his cool
United are making a habit of fast starts under Amorim and although he is a bundle of intense energy on the touchline, his demeanour when his team score is more low-key.
When Hojlund pressed Nikita Haikin to set up a tap-in for Garnacho, Amorim simply sipped from his water bottle and placed it back beside him in his technical area.
When the game resumed, he was back down on his haunches. He was up and down like a jack in the box from that position all game.
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