Rasmus Hojlund has called for patience from Manchester United fans as new manager Ruben Amorim settles into his role at Old Trafford. Following a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, Hojlund acknowledged that while the result was positive, the performance wasn’t yet the finished product that supporters may expect. Amorim, who took charge of United after a difficult start to the season, has been working to implement his ideas, and Hojlund stressed that adapting to a new manager’s philosophy takes time.
The 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt was United's second successive victory under Amorim after the team had drawn 1-1 with Ipswich Town in his first Premier League match in charge. Hojlund, who scored twice in the Europa League fixture, believes that the team’s evolution under Amorim’s management is a process. “Obviously it’s going to take time and we can already see some patterns," Hojlund said after the game. "Now for us, it’s time to build."
The Danish forward, who arrived at United in the summer, also expressed his comfort with Amorim's tactical setup. He compared it to the style he had previously experienced at Atalanta, where he was involved in a high-pressing, attacking system. Hojlund seemed to feel that the transition to Amorim's preferred formation was relatively seamless, and he’s optimistic about how the manager’s tactical approach will develop over time.
United ended their Europa League match against Bodo/Glimt with 20 shots and an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.6, reflecting the team’s attacking intent. Amorim, while pleased with the victory, highlighted areas that still need improvement, particularly with respect to the team's overall quality on the ball and their chance creation. He admitted that there are signs of progress since the Ipswich draw, but also acknowledged that the squad is dealing with fatigue after a busy schedule.
The match also saw four substitutions made by Amorim, with some players being replaced due to fitness concerns rather than tactical reasons. “We need the players together fit; you have to take some risks,” said the United manager. Despite the fatigue, the team continued to press high in the final minutes of the match, a tactic that proved challenging given the players' tired legs. Amorim emphasized the importance of keeping the squad fresh as they prepare for a tough run of fixtures.
Looking ahead to United's next Premier League match against Everton, Amorim will be hoping to continue the positive momentum from the Bodo/Glimt win. In particular, Marcus Rashford’s recent form makes him a player to watch. Rashford scored within 81 seconds against Ipswich, and he has been involved in five goals in his last seven Premier League appearances against Everton. The England international is also closing in on a milestone of 50 Premier League goals at Old Trafford, which would make him the sixth player to achieve the feat for the club.
On the other hand, Everton, led by manager Sean Dyche, has struggled offensively this season, failing to score in six different Premier League matches. However, the Toffees have remained solid defensively, keeping four clean sheets, just behind Manchester United and Liverpool in that regard. Dyche's side has been involved in several goalless draws this term, including two in their last two games, with the last time Everton recorded three consecutive goalless draws being back in February 1982.
Despite Everton's difficulties in attack, Amorim is well aware that they will pose a challenge for United, particularly with Dwight McNeil in the side. McNeil has been one of Everton’s standout performers this season, with the winger leading the Premier League for most passes into the opposition box (101), creating 30 chances, nearly double the amount of any other Everton player. McNeil’s creativity could be a key threat for United, and Amorim will need to ensure his side stays focused defensively as they aim to extend their winning run.
In addition, Amorim's record at Sporting CP was exemplary, having won all 22 of his home league games with an aggregate score of 72-13. That success will no doubt fuel optimism that he can replicate similar results at Manchester United, but the road ahead is challenging. As United continues to adapt to Amorim’s methods, Hojlund’s call for patience and belief in the process will be crucial as the team aims to get back to winning ways in the Premier League while competing on multiple fronts.
