Manchester United showed guts and desire to secure a tight 3-2 victory over FK Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.
It was a challenging encounter for Man United, with Ruben Amorim’s team showing a lapse of concentration to allow the visitors to score twice in just four minutes despite dominating the majority of the match.
Still, Amorim took a proactive approach to improving his team’s fortunes, making effective substitutes and clearly delivering an inspired half-time team talk to rejuvenate his team and hand them the confidence to grab the win.
While it was a superb team performance, with United maintaining 72% possession and taking 20 shots, Rasmus Hojlund was one of the standout stars who made all the difference.
In the first minute, Hojlund showed the awareness to press the goalkeeper as he received the ball. The United striker tackled the Bodø/Glimt keeper, with Alejandro Garnacho pouncing on the loose ball to hand Amorim’s side another early lead.
On the stroke of half-time, it was the Dane who, yet again, provided a much-needed impact. While United appeared dejected after scuppering their lead and going 2-1 down, Hojlund took a magical touch to control a superb cross from Noussair Mazraoui before volleying the ball into the net to level the scoreline.
As the second half got underway, it was Hojlund who, yet again, made all the difference. Anticipating a quick counter-attack, Hojlund surged into the box, outrunning his mark and getting on the end of a Manuel Ugarte through ball, which he buried into the back of the net to seal Amorim’s first win as United boss.
In total, he fired two shots on target and a third off target.
Taking just 29 touches in total, Hojlund’s passing was on point, with 12 of 15 passes reaching their intended target for an 80% passing accuracy.
He showed aggression and intent when he was on the ball, winning three of five ground duels and one of two aerial contests.
Interestingly, he also assisted his teammates in defence, performing one tackle.
While Hojlund managed to grab an assist, he made two key passes in total, thereby showing his knack for creating goalscoring opportunities when on form.
Ultimately, it was a near-perfect performance from Hojlund, who was involved in every one of United’s goals on the night.
With two goals and one assist to his name, Hojlund proved his worth and may have just earned Amorim’s faith as he looks to establish himself as a regular in the starting 11.
(Stats via Sofascore)
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
