Manchester United won an entertaining Europa League encounter against Bodo/Glimt 3-2 at Old Trafford on Thursday on what was Ruben Amorim’s first home game.
The hosts took yet another early lead, this time within 50 seconds through Alejandro Garnacho before the visitors shocked the United faithful into silence by scoring twice within four minutes.
But the front three kept at it and eventually, Rasmus Hojlund scored a fine brace as the Red Devils clinched back-to-back wins in the competition for the first time this season.
The attacking trio of Hojlund, Garnacho and Mason Mount dovetailed nicely but the Portuguese coach will not be too pleased with his wingbacks.
Mazraoui was very intelligent
Despite conceding twice on the night, it was another fantastic performance from Noussair Mazraoui with the Moroccan hardly putting a foot wrong against the Norwegian side.
Not too many Erik ten Hag signings have been bonafide successes but the former Bayern Munich man looks like a steal at only €15 million. He also looked like the perfect fit for whatever Amorim is trying to build.
Noussair Mazraoui’s game by numbers vs. Bodø/Glimt:
139 total touches
100% cross accuracy
95% pass accuracy
86% duels won
21 passes into the final third
8 ball recoveries
5 tackles attempted
5 tackles completed
3 chances created
3 clearances10/10 every game… 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lQslCVzuc7
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 28, 2024
The 27-year-old is extremely intelligent and looks like he can play anywhere across the pitch. He knew exactly when to press and when to stay back while his ability on the ball was unmatched as well.
He had a massive 139 touches of the ball, and ended the game with an impressive 95 percent passing accuracy with 114 of his 120 attempted passes finding their mark.
As many as 21 passes went into the final third with one of them finding the Dane inside the box, who scored with aplomb in what was the crucial equaliser.
Fits Amorim’s system like a glove
Mazraoui made three key passes and created one big chance as well. His solitary crossing attempt found its mark while three of his five long balls found a teammate.
Defensively, he was equally strong and despite Antony looking shaky at times, the Morocco international gave him ample cover and snuffed out the danger at every available opportunity.
The right-sided centre-back made three clearances, one interception and also completed five tackles. He also won six out of his seven attempted ground duels (all stats via sofascore).
Amorim could not have asked for more from Mazraoui and with Leny Yoro yet to regain full fitness, he will likely continue to play in this position for some more time.
Feature image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
