The striker was involved in all the goals in a scrappy but vital 3-2 win for the Red Devils in the new coach’s first game at Old Trafford
A red-hot Rasmus Hojlund fired Ruben Amorim to his first win as Manchester United boss in an entertaining if scrappy 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League. For the second game in a row under Amorim, United got off to a dream start: Hojlund chased down goalkeeper Nikita Haikin and Alejandro Garnacho nipped in to tap into an empty net in the first minute. But Bodo/Glimt, who had brought 12 per cent of their town’s population over for the biggest game in their history, delivered two sucker punches in quick succession.
Hakon Evjen smashed into the top corner to level before Philip Zinckernagel gave them the lead after destroying Tyrell Malacia in the Dutch defender’s first game back after an 18-month injury nightmare. United responded right before half-time with a stylish goal from Hojlund, controlling a cross with one foot then volleying home with the other.
United came back out for the second half with the bit between their teeth and after Mason Mount had hit the bar, Hojlund fired them in front. They should have put the game out of sight but Garnacho and substitute Marcus Rashford missed big chances and it was a nervy wait for the full-time whistle
Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (5/10):
Erratic. Left flat-footed for Evjen’s goal, nut-megged by Zinckernagel then charged out of his area in the second half and was lucky not to be punished for handling. Booked for time-wasting but beat away a late free-kick.
Noussair Mazraoui (7/10):
Seems the most comfortable defender in the new system and set up Hojlund’s first goal.
Matthijs de Ligt (5/10):
Hit and miss. Some good early clearances but a bit sloppy in possession.
Lisandro Martinez (6/10):
Suspect defensively but made some good forward passes to fuel attacks.
Midfield
Antony (4/10):
Lacking confidence and game intelligence, summed up when a defender fell over in front of him but he stood still and dragged the ball backwards.
Manuel Ugarte (7/10):
Another encouraging display, cutting out plenty of passes and setting up the winner.
Bruno Fernandes (5/10):
Didn’t impose himself on the game.
Tyrell Malacia (3/10)
His first senior game for 18 months went as badly as you could imagine. Skinned alive by Zinckernagel and put out of his misery at half-time.
Attack
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
Very lively but very wasteful. Spurned two great chances in the second half, putting too much power into what should have been simple finishes.
Rasmus Hojlund (8/10):
Involved in all three goals in another memorable European night for the Dane. Now, to do it in the Premier League…
Mason Mount (6/10):
Got pushed around a bit but got involved in lots of attacks. Should have scored when he hit the bar but a fine backheel helped set up the decisive goal.
Subs & Manager
Diogo Dalot (7/10):
Made a big difference, comfortable in attack and defence.
Marcus Rashford (5/10):
Pacy on the break but should have scored.
Luke Shaw (5/10):
Tidy in possession but lacking sharpness.
Amad Diallo (7/10):
Impressive again at right wing-back, storming forward a lot on the break.
Casemiro (5/10):
Had to deputise at centre-back and resorted to the dark arts. Booked for swatting the ball away with his hand
Ruben Amorim (6/10):
Made six changes to keep his squad fresh. Starting Malacia was a mistake but he rectified it and his changes helped him to his first win.
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