Manchester United Triumph in Europa League Thriller Against Bodø/Glimt

Manchester United edged past Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt with a thrilling 3-2 victory in the UEFA Europa League at Old Trafford on Thursday. The match marked new manager Ruben Amorim’s first home game in charge and showcased the Red Devils’ resilience after a shaky first half.

The game started explosively, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring within the opening minute, the fastest United goal in European competition since 1991. However, Bodø/Glimt responded impressively, leveling through Håkon Evjen and taking the lead with a composed finish from Philip Zinckernagel. The visitors exposed United’s defensive vulnerabilities, leaving Old Trafford stunned.

United clawed back into the game just before halftime, thanks to a clinical strike from Rasmus Højlund, assisted by Noussair Mazraoui’s excellent footwork. Højlund added his second early in the second half, a decisive goal upheld after a tense VAR review for offside.

Despite United dominating possession (72%) and outshooting their opponents 20-7, defensive lapses kept the game tense until the final whistle. André Onana made crucial saves late on, and substitutions bolstered United’s defensive structure in the closing stages. The win pushes United up the Europa League table and provides a morale boost for Amorim’s tenure​

Rasmus Højlund earned the Player of the Match award for his double, reinforcing his growing importance to the squad. Garnacho and Mazraoui also impressed, while the overall performance highlighted areas for improvement in defense and midfield control​

The victory keeps United’s Europa League hopes alive, with fans hoping the team builds on this momentum as they prepare for domestic clashes​