By Filip Mishov
Latest kind and context
Not solely did Ed Sheeran infamously crashed Rúben Amorim‘s post-match interview with Sky Sports activities, however his Tractor Boys halted the Crimson Devils’ try to increase their successful streak with a courageous efficiency at Portman Street. It’s truthful to say that the Portuguese’s debut didn’t go as deliberate with Ipswich dominating for many a part of the match, whereas Manchester United‘s misfiring assault continues to underperform as they recorded a low xG (0.90), which is one in every of Amorim’s many duties to unravel.
Now, a house debut awaits Amorim below the Previous Trafford lights within the Europa League and the likelihood to safe his maiden win on the helm arises in entrance of the Crimson Military, which can certainly welcome the so-called ‘Smiling One’ with open arms. Bodø/Glimt are coming to the Theatre of Goals within the first-ever aggressive match between Manchester United and a Norwegian membership in UEFA’s membership competitions, which appears fairly astonishing given the membership’s current journeys to Norway throughout their pre-season summer time excursions.
The Bodø-based membership are coming to Manchester on the again of a win (0-2) within the penultimate spherical in Eliteserien, and forward of a season-defining conflict in Norway’s top-tier on Sunday because the Kjetil Knutsen-led squad host Lillestrøm, whereas second-placed Brann play third-placed Viking within the last spherical too. With solely a degree separating the reigning Norwegian champions from Brann and solely three factors forward of Viking, it’s truthful to say that Glimt might have one eye on the weekend.
Crew information
It was not all doom and gloom for Amorim at Portman Street as Luke Shaw made his comeback after spending 280 days on the sidelines, and moreover, Tyrell Malacia made the matchday squad, which is a large increase for the Crimson Devils forward of the hectic Christmas interval. Nevertheless, the wonderkid – Leny Yoro was not a part of the squad, regardless of the Frenchman participating in full coaching and the match in opposition to Glimt is perhaps the proper alternative for him to lastly make his debut. Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez stay on the sidelines, with the latter the closest to creating a comeback in a few weeks. As for the Scandinavian guests, will probably be attention-grabbing to see whether or not the coach, Knutsen will relaxation a few of his key gamers given the membership’s title defence is on the road and the truth that Glimt have had a superior begin to the Europa League’s marketing campaign than United, sitting in twelfth place with a degree forward of the hosts who discovered themselves in fifteenth place.
Key Participant
Jens Petter Hauge made the step to Europe’s high 5 leagues too quickly together with his transfer to AC Milan just a few years in the past, however the 25-year-old’s expertise and skill are simple because the playmaking winger continues to impress within the yellow of Glimt. With seven targets and 5 assists in Norway’s top-tier and a few targets and one assists within the Europa League, the Crimson Devils’ defence should pay attention to his risk coming in from the left. Additionally, given the truth that Amorim favoured Amad Diallo at proper wing-back over a pure defender in opposition to Ipswich, that is perhaps the place Glimt can look to use the hosts vulnerabilities.
Prediction
The Crimson Devils are on an unbeaten five-match run in all competitions below Ruud van Nistelrooy and Amorim, respectively, and the expectation can be that it is a good probability for his or her new charismatic coach to choose up a maiden win. Nevertheless, Bodø/Glimt are a top quality facet, they usually have already defeated FC Porto this season, which Manchester United didn’t do, and Jens Petter Hauge & co. are particularly harmful on the counter.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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