Manchester United edge past Bodo/Glimt, Spurs held by Roma in Europa League

LONDON – Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim survived a “roller-coaster” ride after his first home game at Old Trafford on Nov 28 ended with a topsy-turvy 3-2 Europa League victory over Bodo/Glimt, thanks to a brace from Rasmus Hojlund.

United trailed late in the first half against the Norwegian side, but recovered to post a second straight Europa League win since sacking Erik ten Hag, having started the campaign with three consecutive draws.

“Like a real ride. We started well, but then suffered two goals in two transitions. But I like the way the players tried to play our game,” Amorim said.

“Sometimes we won the ball and have had problems in the past giving the ball away too much – the mindset is keeping the ball. They are really trying and I think we deserved the win.”

The Red Devils scored in the second minute of Amorim’s first match as United manager in the 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town on Nov 24, and it took under 60 seconds for them to break the deadlock against Bodo/Glimt.

Visiting goalkeeper Nikita Haikin was put under pressure by a poor back pass and his clearance was blocked by Hojlund, allowing Alejandro Garnacho to tap into an empty net.

However, United’s defensive frailties were laid bare as Hakon Evjen swept in a 19th-minute equaliser and Philip Zinckernagel put Bodo/Glimt in front four minutes later.

United looked short of ideas until the stroke of half-time, when Noussair Mazraoui’s cross found Hojlund, who flicked the ball up with a clever touch and calmly volleyed into the bottom corner.

The hosts reclaimed the lead five minutes after the restart as Manuel Ugarte squared the ball across the face of goal for Hojlund to prod home.

Amorim’s men then held on to give the Portuguese a satisfactory home debut.

“Half of the stadium doesn’t know me. I came from Portugal and I did nothing for this club yet, but the way they make me feel at home is special,” said the United manager, whose side are 12th in the Europa League standings.

“Of course, I see what everybody sees, good moments, difficult moments.

“There was some confusion in the end trying to hold the result, but the lads did a great job. They ran, they pressed, they tried to do the things we have worked on in the last three days and we won.”

In London, Tottenham Hotspur failed to back up their stunning 4-0 English Premier League win over Manchester City on Nov 23 as Mats Hummels scored in added time to snatch a 2-2 draw for AS Roma.

Spurs also made a fast start as Son Heung-min slotted in a penalty in the fifth minute.

Evan Ndicka flicked in Paulo Dybala’s free kick to level for Roma in the 20th minute, before Brennan Johnson restored Spurs’ advantage 13 minutes later.

Crisis-hit Roma piled the pressure on late at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and centre-back Hummels pounced from close range in added time.

Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs sit just outside the top eight, who qualify automatically for the last 16.

“We should have shown a bit more composure. It’s obviously frustrating, especially when they score so late,” said Postecoglou.

“It was a good game, we probably should have wrapped it up a lot earlier. We missed some great chances and, at 2-1, you’re always going to keep them in the game. So it’s disappointing not to see it out.”

Conference League leaders Chelsea sealed a spot in the knockout stages with a 2-0 victory over Heidenheim. The Blues registered their fourth straight win in the competition, while the Bundesliga side lost their 100 per cent record.

A much-changed Chelsea had to wait until six minutes after the restart to break the deadlock as Christopher Nkunku took a brilliant touch to control Jadon Sancho’s cross before firing into the top corner.

Enzo Maresca’s side killed the game off with four minutes left as Sancho notched his second assist of the match, teeing up Mykhailo Mudryk to drive a shot into the roof of the net. Blues midfielder Cesare Casadei was sent off in added time for a second yellow card. AFP, REUTERS