Rasmus Hojlund scored a double when Manchester United came back to defeat Bodo/Glimt 3-2 in the Europa League. This match will bring new coach Ruben Amorim mixed emotions.
Most of the optimism will be focused on Hojlund with two beautiful goals. Amorim said that in the preparation process, there were concerns that Man United - one of the teams that scored the least goals in the Premier League this season - would have a hard time against Bodo/Glimt. Therefore, if Hojlund can start scoring regularly, it will certainly help Amorim have a much smoother next weeks and months.
Amorim could also help Hojlund start to deserve the huge £72 million the Red Devils paid for Atalanta. Under Erik ten Hag, there have been repeated questions about whether the Danish striker's style is suitable for Man United.
In the win over Bodo/Glimt, Hojlund benefited from passes into the box twice, first from Noussair Mazraoui and then from Manuel Ugarte. This is the type of pass that Hojlund craves but rarely receives under Ten Hag.
"I think Hojlund has improved his connection with the team. He has to improve a lot because sometimes he touches the ball too much when he has possession. But he is very important for us because he is the one who keeps the ball and connects for the transition. Hojlund did that very well. He has that quality," Amorim said of Hojlund.
Amorim said he felt Man United's progress after the first match against Ipswich Town. And he also used the word "special" to describe the way United fans welcomed him at Old Trafford.
It feels like a new start is starting at Old Trafford, but some old problems are still haunting.
In the last 18 months of Ten Hag's reign, Man United conceded two goals in four minutes against Bayern Munich, two in 10 minutes against Galatasaray, two in four minutes against Copenhagen, two in nine minutes against Galatasaray once again and two in seven minutes against Porto.
This is becoming a difficult habit to break and in Amorim's first match in Europe, Man United let Bodo/Glimt score 2 goals in 4 minutes. On the touchline, Amorim was shouting and giving instructions but was eventually frustrated when things didn't go as planned.
In his first press conference since taking the job, Amorim said the Man United players lost the ball too much. The Portuguese tactician hopes these mistakes will become less and less. However, that is only part of the problem.
After the win over Bodo/Glimt, the "Red Devils" will have a day to rest and recover to prepare for the Premier League clash with Everton. Amorim needs time, but the tight schedule will not allow that.
"I come from Portugal and half the stadium does not know me. I have not done anything for this club but the way they supported me from the beginning made me feel I was no longer alone. I am one of them and I hope I will not disappoint them" - Amorim said.
