Image courtesy: X(Machester United)
Manchester United Triumph at Old Trafford
Manchester United delivered a thrilling 3-2 victory over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, marking a successful home debut for manager Ruben Amorim. Rasmus Hojlund’s stunning double ensured United overcame defensive lapses and secured their second consecutive Europa League win under Amorim.
United started explosively, scoring within the first minute, courtesy of Alejandro Garnacho capitalizing on a goalkeeper error. However, their defensive frailties were exposed as Bodo/Glimt equalized through Hakon Evjen and took the lead with Philip Zinckernagel’s goal.
Just before halftime, Hojlund displayed his technical brilliance by flicking a cross from Noussair Mazraoui and volleying home to equalize. Shortly into the second half, Hojlund struck again, completing a well-crafted move to restore United’s lead. Despite a nervy moment involving goalkeeper Andre Onana handling outside the box, Amorim’s side held on for a vital victory.
Amorim expressed his gratitude for the warm reception from the fans, saying, “Half of the stadium doesn’t know me. Yet the way they make me feel at home is special.”
Tottenham Held by Roma in Late Drama
In London, Tottenham failed to carry forward the momentum from their Premier League win over Manchester City as Roma’s Mats Hummels scored in injury time to secure a 2-2 draw. Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs started strong, with Son Heung-min converting an early penalty. However, Evan Ndicka equalized for Roma, and despite Brennan Johnson restoring the lead for Spurs, Hummels pounced in added time to deny the hosts a win.
Spurs now find themselves outside the top eight in the Europa League standings, with manager Postecoglou lamenting missed chances: “We had a couple of chances cleared off the line. We sort of kept them in the game.”
Europa League Highlights
Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao dominated Elfsborg 3-0 to join Lazio at the top of the table, while Eintracht Frankfurt edged out Midtjylland 2-1. Lazio remained unbeaten following a goalless draw with Ludogorets. Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen continued his scoring spree, but his side was held 1-1 by AZ Alkmaar, leaving them two points off the top.
Conference League Update
Chelsea extended their unbeaten run with a 2-0 win over Heidenheim, thanks to goals from Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk. Manager Mauricio Pochettino rotated the squad effectively, keeping their campaign on track.
Looking Ahead
Both Manchester United and Tottenham face mounting pressure to maintain their respective campaigns. While Amorim’s debut has brought renewed optimism at Old Trafford, Spurs need greater composure to regain their form in Europe.
The latest round of Europa League and Conference League matches showcases the unpredictability and excitement of European football, with teams battling for supremacy across the continent.
