Ruben Amorim reveals issue with Rasmus Hojlund after Manchester United beat Bodo/Glimt

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Ruben Amorim praised Rasmus Hojlund’s performance in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday evening but believes the striker still needs to improve on the ball.

United got off to another quick start in Amorim’s first game at Old Trafford as Hojlund’s pressure on Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin allowed Alejandro Garnacho to open the scoring inside the first minute.

However, the Norwegian side were level following an excellent finish from Hakon Evjen. The visitors then took the lead in the 23rd minute through Philip Zinckernagel.

Hojlund equalised shortly before the break with an excellent control and finish and the Denmark international then scored United’s winner in the 50th minute.

‘I think he improved the connection,’ Amorim said of Hojlund after United’s win.

‘I think he has to improve more because sometimes he gives too many touches when he holds the ball.

‘But it’s very important for us because when we are in a low block he is the guy to hold the ball and connect for transitions. He did that very well, he has those characteristics.

‘He was aggressive in the box, he is a quality player. I think he scores the more difficult goals. He has a lot to improve, it’s the same for every player, but he did a great job today.’

Amorim also pointed out that his United players still need to work on keeping possession, which he believes was a struggle during Erik ten Hag’s reign.

‘It was a real ride, we start very well then we suffered two goals in two transitions,’ Amorim said.

‘I like the way the players continued to play our game. I could feel the crowd when it was 2-1, sometimes we won the ball and we had problems I think in the past that we give the ball [away] too much. The mindset now is to keep the ball and sometimes they have to go forward, they are really, really trying but I think we deserved the win.’

Elsewhere, Bruno Fernandes played in a deeper role in United’s midfield and Amorim believes that position suits the team captain.

‘You could feel that he’s the most experienced player, the tempo,’ Amorim said.

‘Sometimes we start the play and Bruno is the right man to start the tempo of the play.

‘Then they play with a back four, they close inside and we tried to switch play all the time and Bruno is the best one doing that.

‘I think he’s a midfielder, if you see this game Mason Mount always had his back to goal, it’s hard, for Bruno it’s better with the goal in front.’

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