Manchester United host Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday (November 28). Ruben Amorim will take charge of his first home game as Red Devils head coach at Old Trafford and will be desperate for a win.
Amorim learned just how much work there is to do at United in a dissapointing 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town in the league. His team are still getting to grips with his 3-4-3 formation which he used at Portman Road.
Manchester United got their first win in European competition for a year last time out when they beat PAOK 2-0 at Old Trafford. This put them 15th in the table with one win and three draws in their opening four games of this season's Europa League.
Manchester United vs. Bodo/Glimt Preview
Marcus Rashford gave Amorim a dream start with a goal inside the opening minute against Ipswich. There was a feeling the Reds were going to run riot but Omari Hutchinson's deflected strike levelled matters and the game fizzled out.
Still, United are five games unbeaten and haven't tasted defeat since Erik ten Hag was sacked in October. They face a Bodo/Glimt team that sit 12th in the Europa League table and could be tricky customers.
The two teams will be meeting for the first time in their history when they clash at Old Trafford. It's a game both will be eager to win as they look to climb up the table.
Manchester United Expected XI vs. Bodo/Glimt
Predicted Manchester United XI: (GK) Andre Onana (DEF) Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez (WING-BACKS) Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw (MID) Manuel Ugarte, Christian Eriksen
(ATT) Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount
Amorim had Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez back in training although he claims only the latter is available against Bodo/Glimt. The Argentine could come straight into defense as the left sided centre-back of a back three.
Luke Shaw came off the bench in the Ipswich draw and might be in contention to start against Bodo/Glimt. If not, Amorim might consider Tyrell Malacia, as Diogo Dalot was disappointing at left wing-back last weekend.
Manuel Ugarte should be thrown into the starting lineup, as Casemiro and Christian Eriksen didn't have the legs at Portman Road. Amorim could make some interesting calls up top, and his recent verdict of Mason Mount suggests a potential start for the former Chelsea attacker.
"That {number nine} position is not the best for him, we will help him, he has to want it" 🤔
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 27, 2024
Ruben Amorim discusses Marcus Rashford after he scored in the 1-1 draw at Ipswich 🔴 pic.twitter.com/kkbJqaU3dq
Marcus Rashford scored the first goal of the Amorim era but might be dropped after an underwhelming outing after that strike. Rasmus Hojlund will want to show his new head coach that he can lead the line.
Manchester United vs. Bodo/Glimt Prediction
Manchester United won't have it easy against a Bodo/Glimt side that is top of the Norwegian league. It could be a tricky night for Amorim to tackle, but the roar of the Old Trafford support should galvanize his troops for the first win of his regime.
A closely fought game should end in victory for the Red Devils thanks to a potential winner from Alejandro Garnacho off bench.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Bodo/Glimt
Where to watch and match details
Match Information: Manchester United vs Bodo/Glimt
Location: Old Trafford
When: 28/11/2024
Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT
TV: TNT Sports 2/ TNT Sports Ultimate/ Discovery+