Manchester United vs Bodø/Glimt Preview - UEFA Europa League, November 28, 2024
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As the UEFA Europa League group stage nears its climax, Manchester United face Bodø/Glimt in a crucial matchup at Old Trafford on November 28, 2024. For Manchester United, this is an opportunity to consolidate their position at the top of the group and secure progression to the knockout stage. For Bodø/Glimt, it is a chance to defy expectations and continue their remarkable European journey.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Competition: UEFA Europa League, Group Stage
Match: Manchester United vs Bodø/Glimt
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM (GMT)
Team Overview
Manchester United
Manchester United are competing in the Europa League after a turbulent Premier League season last year saw them miss out on Champions League qualification. Despite the disappointment, manager Erik ten Hag has used the competition as a platform to rotate his squad and develop young talent while keeping senior players match-ready for domestic challenges.
Form: United have been inconsistent in the Premier League but have largely dominated their Europa League opponents, leveraging their depth and quality.
Key Players: Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, André Onana.
Strengths: Home advantage, high-quality squad depth, and European experience.
Bodø/Glimt
The Norwegian champions have been impressive in recent years, earning a reputation for their attacking football and fearless approach. Under the guidance of their tactically astute manager, Kjetil Knutsen, Bodø/Glimt have defied the odds on multiple occasions against European heavyweights.
Form: Consistent performances domestically and a fighting spirit in European fixtures.
Key Players: Amahl Pellegrino, Patrick Berg, Hugo Vetlesen.
Strengths: Tactical organization, high work rate, and the element of surprise against bigger teams.
Team News
Manchester United
United are likely to rotate their squad for this Europa League fixture, giving opportunities to fringe players and youngsters while resting key personnel for domestic commitments.
Injury Updates:
Raphaël Varane: Sidelined with a muscle injury.
Luke Shaw: Still recovering from a long-term injury.
Antony: Doubtful due to fitness concerns.
Suspensions: None.
Players like Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, and Alejandro Garnacho could feature prominently, offering depth and fresh legs.
Bodø/Glimt
Bodø/Glimt will travel to Manchester with a relatively fit squad but face challenges in matching United’s quality and intensity.
Injury Updates:
Ulrik Saltnes: A doubt due to a minor knock.
Isak Amundsen: Expected to miss out due to a lingering injury.
Suspensions: None.
Amahl Pellegrino’s creativity and finishing will be vital, along with Patrick Berg’s leadership in midfield.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: André Onana
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Sergio Reguilon
Midfielders: Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen
Attackers: Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho
Forward: Anthony Martial
Erik ten Hag is likely to use this match as a chance to give minutes to squad players while retaining enough firepower to ensure victory.
Bodø/Glimt (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Nikita Haikin
Defenders: Alfons Sampsted, Marius Høibråten, Brede Moe, Fredrik Bjørkan
Midfielders: Patrick Berg, Hugo Vetlesen, Elias Hagen
Forwards: Joel Mvuka, Amahl Pellegrino, Runar Espejord
Bodø/Glimt will stick to their attacking philosophy while maintaining defensive discipline to counter United’s pace and creativity.
Playing Ground - Old Trafford
Old Trafford, known as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of football’s most iconic stadiums. With a capacity of over 74,000, it has witnessed countless historic European nights. The passionate home crowd will provide Manchester United with a significant advantage, but Bodø/Glimt’s players have shown they can thrive under pressure.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first competitive meeting between Manchester United and Bodø/Glimt. While United’s European pedigree speaks for itself, Bodø/Glimt have gained experience in recent years by competing against other big names, including a famous win over AS Roma in 2021.
Tactical Analysis
Manchester United
United will likely dominate possession and use their attacking full-backs to stretch Bodø/Glimt’s defense. Bruno Fernandes’ creativity and Martial’s movement will be key to breaking down a compact backline.
Key Tactical Objectives:
Exploit width with Dalot and Reguilón.
Press high to force mistakes from Bodø/Glimt's defenders.
Utilize Fernandes’ passing to create chances in tight spaces.
Bodø/Glimt
Bodø/Glimt will focus on quick transitions and counterattacks. Pellegrino’s ability to exploit spaces behind United’s defense could prove crucial if the visitors manage to absorb pressure effectively.
Key Tactical Objectives:
Stay compact defensively and frustrate United’s attackers.
Use Berg and Vetlesen to disrupt United’s midfield rhythm.
Exploit counterattacking opportunities with Mvuka and Pellegrino.
Key Players to Watch
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): The Portuguese playmaker remains United’s creative heartbeat and a significant goal threat.
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United): Garnacho’s pace and directness can unsettle Bodø/Glimt’s defense, especially in one-on-one situations.
Amahl Pellegrino (Bodø/Glimt): The Norwegian forward’s eye for goal and composure in front of the net make him Bodø/Glimt’s biggest threat.
Patrick Berg (Bodø/Glimt): The midfielder’s leadership and ball-winning abilities will be vital in keeping the visitors competitive.
Live Stream and Broadcast Information
UK: The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and available for streaming on Discovery+.
USA: Coverage will be provided by Paramount+ and CBS Sports.
Global: UEFA’s website lists all international broadcasters.
Fans can also follow live updates and commentary on UEFA’s official website.
Prediction
While Bodø/Glimt have proven their mettle in Europe, the sheer quality and depth of Manchester United’s squad, combined with the home advantage at Old Trafford, make the Red Devils overwhelming favorites.
Predicted Score: Manchester United 3-1 Bodø/Glimt