Ruben Amorim singles out key Man Utd star who was ‘dead’ as he explains changes in 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt
RUBEN AMORIM singled out Rasmus Hojlund for praise after his match-winning performance against Bodo/Glimt but revealed the ace was “dead” at full-time.
Manchester United emerged as victors from the 3-2 thriller at Old Trafford, with Hojlund scoring twice and proving pivotal to Alejandro Garnacho‘s opener.
Hojlund, 21, played the full length of the Europa League clash, which is only the second time this season he has completed a match.
However, speaking to TNT Sports, Amorim admitted: “We had more chances [than against Ipswich] and were more dangerous.
“But we will have to change players.
“I felt that Rasmus was dead. Some [players] were really, really tired.
“We made four substitutions because of the fitness of the players, not because of what was best for the game.
“We are in that moment. We need the squad all together and fit.”
Amorim was full of praise for the “quality” forward, but had some pointers on where he will need to improve going forward.
On the ex-Atalanta star, he said: “He has to improve more. He takes too many touches when he holds the ball.
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“He connected in transitions very well. He was aggressive in the box for the goals. He is a quality player.”
Amorim, 39, confessed to being taken aback by the support he had received from supporters during his first home game in charge of the Red Devils.
The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss said: “The first thing is that half of the stadium doesn’t really know me.
“I came from Portugal and I have done nothing for this club yet, so the way they make me feel at home is so special.
“It’s not after something, it’s before something.
“This is something special and I will keep this to the end of my career.”
Amorim went bold with his tactics against the Norwegian side, even playing without any recognised centre-backs in the latter stages.
He will be hoping to land his first Premier League win next when his team host Everton on Sunday.
Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt
MANCHESTER UNITED beat Bodo/Glimt 3-2 as Ruben Amorim made his Old Trafford bow.
The Red Devils made the dream start as Alejandro Garnacho scored after just 48 seconds.
But Bodo/Glimt hit back with two quick-fire goals before a Rasmus Hojlund double saw the Norwegians off.
It marks Amorim’s first win as Man Utd boss following his 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Sunday.