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Ruben Amorim’s Special First Win at Manchester United: A Thrilling 3-2 Victory Amid Anxiety and Adaptation

Ruben Amorim may have secured his first victory as Manchester United’s manager with a dramatic 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, but he admitted to a mixture of excitement and anxiety following the match. Despite the euphoria of Old Trafford's thrilling atmosphere, the 39-year-old Portuguese manager is feeling the pressure as he works to integrate his tactical vision into a team still adapting to his methods.

A Rollercoaster First Match at Old Trafford

In what was a highly emotional game for Amorim, Rasmus Hojlund's two goals provided the spark for United’s comeback after they found themselves 2-1 down at halftime. The relief and tension were clear as Amorim let out a scream of satisfaction when Hojlund leveled the score with a first-half goal that came just before the break. However, the manager was quick to admit that his debut win came with a dose of anxiety, especially given the fast-paced schedule and limited time to implement his system.

Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag after a turbulent period at Old Trafford, arrived mid-season and has had limited time with the full squad. With just two training sessions before his debut at Ipswich and two more before the Europa League fixture, Amorim was already feeling the strain of trying to imprint his vision on a squad not yet fully accustomed to his style.

"I get anxious because I don’t know what will happen,” Amorim said candidly in an interview with TNT Sports. "We don’t control anything at the moment. I don’t know the players well enough, and we have not worked a lot together. We go into the game excited but also nervous because you don’t know how things will unfold."

Injury Concerns and Physical Demands: A Challenging Start

Adding to the pressure of his new managerial role, Amorim also inherited a squad with a lengthy injury list. While several players who had been sidelined during the previous months were now returning to action, Amorim’s squad still had physical limitations to contend with. Tyrell Malacia, in his first game in 18 months, lasted only 45 minutes as a left-wing back, a position known for its intense physical demands. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw made his second substitute appearance since returning from injury, and Mason Mount also marked his first start since a long injury layoff.

Despite these challenges, Amorim could breathe a sigh of relief when his team came through with a crucial victory, showing resilience and improved cohesion as the game wore on.

"Since the last game, we’ve improved in several areas," Amorim reflected. "We controlled the tempo more, pushed the team higher up the pitch, and created more chances." United’s dominance was evident as they recovered from a rocky first-half performance and went on to secure the three points.

However, Amorim was critical of his team’s inability to "kill the game" earlier, lamenting missed opportunities, including a squandered chance by Alejandro Garnacho and another from Marcus Rashford that flashed just wide of the post. "We should have wrapped it up before the end," he added. "But overall, I’m happy with the way the players tried to execute our game plan."

Hojlund Shines, but Amorim Has Expectations

One player who stood out in Amorim’s debut was Rasmus Hojlund, whose two goals proved pivotal in the comeback win. Although the 72 million-pound signing from Atalanta was visibly exhausted by the end of the match, Amorim praised Hojlund for his aggressive play in the box and his clinical finishing.

"Hojlund did a great job today," Amorim said. "He is very important when we are defending in a low block and crucial for our transitions. For his goals, he showed great aggression in the box and took chances when they came. But, he still needs to improve his hold-up play. Sometimes he holds the ball too long and takes too many touches."

The manager’s comments reflect his broader tactical philosophy, particularly his emphasis on wing-backs and the role of the central striker. In Amorim’s system, the number nine is not just a goal-scorer but a player who holds up the ball and creates space for others in attack. While Hojlund is still adapting to this demanding role, his display against Bodo/Glimt was a positive sign for both the player and the manager.

Building Confidence Amid the Storm

Amorim’s first match at Old Trafford wasn’t just a chance to prove his tactical acumen—it was also an opportunity to connect with the fans, who have been supportive despite the uncertainty surrounding the club’s recent struggles. As the final whistle blew, the atmosphere at Old Trafford was electric, with United fans cheering on their new manager, chanting his name, and giving him a warm reception.

"It was special for me because I come from Portugal, and half of the stadium doesn’t know who I am," Amorim reflected, visibly moved. "I haven’t achieved anything yet for this club, but the support I received made me feel like I belong here, like I’m part of the team already. It’s a great feeling, and I hope I don’t disappoint them."

Despite the challenges, Amorim is clearly enjoying the experience of managing one of the world’s most iconic football clubs. His connection with the fans, coupled with a much-needed win, marks the beginning of what could be an exciting, albeit demanding, journey at Manchester United.

Looking Ahead: A Busy Schedule and High Expectations

As the games come thick and fast for United, Amorim knows that there is little time for complacency. United’s longest gap between fixtures until the end of the year is just four days, with several important matches in both the Premier League and cup competitions looming on the horizon. If United progresses in the Carabao Cup, the fixture congestion will only intensify, leaving Amorim with little room to breathe.

However, Amorim seems undeterred by the hectic schedule, focusing instead on building on this first win and continuing to implement his tactical vision. As he works to fine-tune his wing-back system and get the best out of his players, the supporters will be watching closely, eager to see how their new manager leads the team through what promises to be a challenging and exciting season.

Conclusion

Ruben Amorim’s debut victory as Manchester United’s manager was full of highs and lows, both on and off the pitch. While the win over Bodo/Glimt showed signs of promise, the 39-year-old's "anxiety" highlighted the reality of managing a top club under pressure. With a demanding tactical system and a squad still finding its rhythm, Amorim’s journey is just beginning. But if the fans’ warm reception is any indication, the road ahead could be full of exciting possibilities for both the manager and the club.