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Manchester United entertain Norwegian Champions Bodo/Glimt this evening (Thursday), on Matchday five of this season’s Europa League.
Ruben Amorim will make his Old Trafford bow in front of expectant home support with United eager to secure their first back-to-back wins in Europe this year.
United need the points after picking up just three points from their opening three fixtures, leaving them behind the chasing pack in the Europa League table.
The game also represents another opportunity for United to get used to the 3-4-3 formation Amorim deploys and individually show the new head coach they are capable of adapting to his methods.
Lack of pace in United’s back three was evident in Sunday’s draw with Ipswich but with players returning from injury, the long term should hold a brighter for Amorim.
Lisandro Martinez or Luke Shaw could start in the left centre-back role, both equally capable to plug the gaps the 3-4-3 formation leaves either side of the midfield duo as well as filling in the left-back role when required.
Noussair Mazraoui is adept at playing that role on the right and is expected to feature once more tonight, with Matthijs de Ligt likely the centre piece of the back three.
Pace was again an issue in United’s midfield on Sunday, but with Manuel Ugarte now suitably rested from his international exploits he will no doubt come into the side and be key to the pressing style Amorim favours.
United have not been used to squeezing in high areas in the last few years but winning the ball back as close to the opposition’s goal will be the target tonight.
The front three also have a huge role to play in the pressing and will be tasked with nicking the ball off the Bodo/Glimt defenders and making the short trip to goal a profitable one.
The Norwegians are in good form and will look to keep the ball on the deck, which will hopefully play into United’s hands.
In possession, United will look to get the ever-present Bruno Fernandes into the pockets with the captain now expected to play a lot closer to the oppositions goal.
Getting Bruno into dangerous areas should lead to a fruitful evening given his quality and consistent output.
United’s forward players will all be desperate to get on the scoresheet with the two attacking spots in-and-around Fernandes more than up for grabs.
The wing-backs will look to have the same impact as United’s best outfield player on Sunday, Amad Diallo, who provided a fine assist for Marcus Rashford and will hope to continue his good form, if selected.
Given United’s quality, Amorim will be confident of registering a win at the first time of asking in his new home and take his side a step closer to automatic qualification from the first round of a competition he will ultimately fancy winning.
Featured image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images
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