Manchester United edged out a resilient Bodo/Glimt side with a 3-2 victory, thanks to a brace from Rasmus Hojlund in a pulsating encounter.
Both teams showcased their attacking prowess, but it was United’s clinical edge that sealed the result.
The visitors struck first in the opening minute when Alejandro Garnacho capitalized on a rare Nikita Haikin mistake. The Argentine was in the right place at the right time to slot the ball into an empty net, giving United an early 1-0 lead.
Bodo/Glimt, however, responded swiftly. In the 19th minute, Sondre Fet set up Hakon Evjen, whose precision finish found the top left corner, leveling the match at 1-1. The Norwegian side continued to press, and just four minutes later, Philip Zinckernagel showcased his skill with a low strike past Andre Onana, turning the game in Bodo/Glimt’s favor at 2-1.
Despite falling behind, United remained composed. Bruno Fernandes led the charge with several attempts to break down Bodo/Glimt’s defense, including a fierce shot from outside the box that Haikin saved superbly. In the 45th minute, Fernandes provided a pinpoint cross for Hojlund, who expertly finished to make it 2-2 just before the halftime whistle.
The second half started with intensity, and United regained control. Mason Mount nearly gave United the lead again, but his effort smashed against the crossbar in the 48th minute. Moments later, Hojlund struck again. A well-executed team move in the 50th minute found the Danish striker, who slotted home his second of the night, putting United ahead 3-2.
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Bodo/Glimt pressed for an equalizer, with Jens Hauge testing Onana with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. The United goalkeeper was equal to the task, pulling off a crucial save to deny the hosts. Patrick Berg came close in stoppage time with a free kick, but Onana once again stood firm to preserve United’s lead.
Substitutions played a significant role in the second half, with Ruben Amorim bringing on fresh legs in Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, and Amad Diallo to manage the game’s tempo. Rashford had a chance to extend United’s lead but missed the target, curling his shot wide in the 81st minute.
Bodo/Glimt showcased excellent teamwork throughout the match, dominating possession at times and demonstrating their capability to challenge top sides. The midfield duo of Ulrik Saltnes and Fredrik Sjovold combined effectively, but they struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances.
Defensively, United had to work hard to contain Bodo/Glimt’s relentless pressure. Diogo Dalot, who replaced an injured Tyrell Malacia, put in a solid shift, while Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw ensured the backline remained organized.
The final whistle confirmed United’s hard-fought victory, a result that keeps them firmly in the competition. Bodo/Glimt, despite the loss, will take positives from their performance as they look to bounce back in their next outing.
Andre Onana’s heroics in goal and Rasmus Hojlund’s clinical finishing were the standout features of the night, as Manchester United held on for a thrilling 3-2 win.