Ruben Amorim, the newly appointed manager of Manchester United, celebrated a memorable victory in his Old Trafford debut, leading the team to a thrilling 3-2 win against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League. This match not only marked his first official game in charge at the historic stadium but also came amidst a period of transformation as he sought to implement a new style of play. Despite the exciting win, Amorim admitted that he felt a sense of anxiety as his players were still in the process of adjusting to his tactical demands.
As the 39-year-old manager walked out onto the pitch, he was met with a standing ovation from the fans, a testament to the support he has already garnered despite his brief tenure at the club. The atmosphere was electric, and the sense of occasion seemed to invigorate both Amorim and his squad. The turning point of the match came when Rasmus Hojlund scored to equalize just before halftime, showcasing the resilience and determination that Amorim hopes to instill in his team.
Amorim’s appointment came at a challenging time in the season, a third of the way in, and he was thrust into the role with fixture congestion already straining the squad. His approach involves employing a wing-back formation, a system that Manchester United had not utilized recently. This tactical shift required both time and effort, and Amorim only had limited training sessions with his full squad prior to the match against Bodo/Glimt. Despite this, the urgency and need for adaptability in the team’s play was palpable.
After the match, Amorim reflected on the anxieties he felt leading up to this debut, admitting to TNT Sports, “I get anxious because I don’t know what will happen. We don’t control anything at the moment,” making it clear how important establishing trust and familiarity with his players would be in the upcoming matches. The victory came as much-needed relief amid potential uncertainties about his new team dynamics.
The match was filled with ups and downs, with United quickly taking the lead courtesy of Alejandro Garnacho’s goal only to find themselves trailing with two goals from the visitors. However, Hojlund’s performance, which included a brace, was critical in turning the tide back in United’s favor. Amorim pointed out that there was an improvement in controlling the tempo of the game and being more assertive in creating scoring opportunities. Yet, he noted that there are still areas to improve; notably, he lamented missed chances and emphasized the need for the team to capitalize on moments to secure victory decisively.
Amorim has high expectations for his players, especially for Hojlund, who he described as crucial both in attack and during transitions. While he praised the young striker’s performance, he also pointed out that Hojlund “has to improve more” in terms of holding the ball and decision-making under pressure, tempered with recognition that adaptability is essential moving forward.
The pace of fixtures remains relentless as United navigates a packed schedule, leaving no room for complacency. Amorim’s outlook was optimistic despite the challenges, underscoring the importance of supporter connection and how welcomed he felt by the fans at Old Trafford. He stated, “It was special because I came from Portugal… the way they support me from the beginning made me feel I am not alone now, that I am one of them,” showcasing his commitment to building not only a competitive team but also a culture of unity within the club.
Overall, while the victory against Bodo/Glimt was a positive sign of things to come, Amorim acknowledged that there is still much work to be done as he continues to mold Manchester United into a team that can achieve success in both domestic and European competitions. The transitional phase is as much about building a new identity as it is about the tangible results on the pitch, and with the support of the fans, Amorim is determined to navigate this journey successfully.
