United will look to overturn their weekend misery on Thursday night when we take on Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.
Just 85 seconds into United’s Premier League fixture with Ipswich on Sunday, Marcus Rashford found the back of the net, but to some extent the final result of Rúben Amorim’s first game felt like a missed opportunity as the spoils were shared at Portman Road.
Amorim claimed his side are, “going to suffer for a long period” as they adapt to a new tactical setup and formation, but any further mishaps in the Europa League could prove fatal to the hopes of automatic promotion to the Quarter-Finals: United currently languish in 15th with one win in four.
Despite this, United are unbeaten in five after Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s short interim spell brought three wins and a draw, following the West Ham defeat which ultimately cost Erik Ten Hag his job.
Manchester United Team News
The 3-4-3 formation will resume but personnel will change. Centre-back remains an issue in the new set up, however, Lisandro Martinez is available against Bodo/Glimt after a back injury sustained in 3-0 win over Leicester. Harry Maguire returned to training but was ruled out for Thursday.
Leny Yoro has also returned to training, although fitness seems an issue. It seems likely that the £52 million defender will play some part in the tie, however it is unlikely that he will start.
Sunday saw Luke Shaw pick up 40 minutes of action for the first time since the European Championships Final for England vs Spain back in July. However, fitness concerns seem that he is likely to make an impact from the bench.
Kobbie Mainoo is expected to return to the midfield having last appeared for United in early October.
Predicted XI
Onana;
Mazraoui, De Ligt, Shaw;
Amad, Eriksen, Ugarte, Antony;
Mount, Hojlund, Garnacho.
Opposition Preview
Bodo/Glimt will become Manchester United’s first ever competitive opponents from Norway. Superlaget (The Super Team) currently sits one point above United in the Europa League table, having recorded two wins thus far against Ruben Amorim’s former side Braga and aPorto.
Domestically, if Bodo/Glimt win their last remaining league tie vs Lillestrom they will claim their fourth Norwegian title in 5 years.
The Norwegians set up with a well-constructed 4-3-3 by manager Kjetil Knudson, ultilising overlaps as a key tactic to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Form Guide
Manchester United League Form
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Manchester United All Competitions Form
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Bodo/Glimt Leage Form
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Bodo/Glimt All Competitions Form
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ONE TO WATCH
Amad Diallo: The Ivorian winger has been a shining light this season, consistently performing for United when the team has not played particularly well. The 22-year-old bagged two goals in the last Europa League outing under Ruud Van Nistelrooy, against POAK. Amorim has highly praised the winger so far, so it is expected that Diallo will continue this momentum and put on a show Thursday night.
Prediction
Prediction: The pressure is on in Europe, United simply need to win. A new manager can motivate this team to go out and do that. Formation adaptation is a concern, and it doesn’t seem like a game to experiment with, considering the importance of three points. Bodo/Glimt have beaten two Portuguese managers in the competition so far however the Norwegians are a team United expect to beat.
Manchester United 2-0 Bodo/Glimt