In UEFA and FIFA competitions, Manchester United have taken on opposition from 40 different countries, but never Norway, a fact that will change on Thursday, as Rúben Amorim aims for his first win in charge.
Manchester United vs Bodø/Glimt Preview
Manchester United kick off 15th in the Europa League table, safe to say they would’ve expected better, so will a change in management propel them up the standings? Under Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils endured three successive draws in this tournament before, during Ruud van Nistelrooy’s brief interim reign, Amad’s brace saw Man United beat PAOK 2-0 at home.
Then, 23 days after his appointment was announced, Rúben Amorim finally took charge of Man United for the very first time on Sunday. His tenure momentarily got off to the perfect start, Marcus Rashford breaking the deadlock at Portman Road inside 75 seconds, but Ipswich equalised on the cusp of half time and the points were shared in Suffolk.
If anyone wasn’t aware already, it was made abundantly clear to all that Amorim has plenty of work to do so, with his new team down in 12th in the Premier League, could the Europa League be his best route to instantaneous success?
Bodø/Glimt meantime are quite the contrast to their illustrious hosts. Based in the Arctic Circle in a town that’s population could fit inside Old Trafford almost twice over, they Yellow Horde are competing in a UEFA group stage for a four successive season, having never gone further than the a few qualifying ties prior to this newfangled fame.
After extended runs in the Conference League, Kjetil Knutsen’s team are seeking to reach the knockout phase of this tournament for the very first time. So far, the Norwegian champions have seven points on the board, one more than Man United, beating both Porto at home and Braga at A Pedreira, also holding Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to a credible goalless draw in Brussels.
Thus, Bodø/Glimt’s 2-1 defeat against Qarabağ earlier this month was a major shock, considering they’d lost only four of their previous 28 European matches at Aspmyra.
One would assume a trip to Old Trafford would be a team’s biggest game in any given week, but that’s probably not the case here. Knutsen’s side were 2-0 winners at Odd on Saturday, a crucial victory given that it saw them reclaim top spot in the Eliteserien, because Brann were beaten elsewhere.
This forthcoming Sunday is actually the final day of the season so, should Bodø/Glimt beat already relegated Lillestrøm at home, they’d wrap up a fourth Norwegian title in five seasons. Even so, the Yellow Horde will savour the moment of taking on Man United, so can the visitors spring a major surprise at the Theatre of Dreams?
Manchester United vs Bodø/Glimt Head-to-Head Record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Manchester United Team News
Every game gives Rúben Amorim the opportunity to learn more about his team, so expect him to rotate for this one. First and foremost Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire are all injured, but Luke Shaw came off the bench at Portman Road, his first club appearance since 18 February.
Meantime, Tyrell Malacia was also on the bench on Sunday, most-recetly featuring all the way back in May 2023. Amorim did deploy his usual 3-4-3 against Ipswich, Amad at wing-back an unexpected wrinkle, so what surprises will be in store here?
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Bodø/Glimt: (3-4-3): Bayındır; Mazraoui, de Ligt, Evans; Antony, Ugarte, Mount, Shaw; Fernandes, Zirkzee, Højlund.
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