Ruben Amorim singles out ‘dead’ Man Utd star and admits 'anxiety' after Bodo/Glimt scare

Ruben Amorim has opened up on the fitness concerns in his Manchester United squad, admitting he felt that Rasmus Hojlund was dead on his feet against Bodo/Glimt.

Amorim is intent on sharpening up the Red Devils after taking over from Erik ten Hag. But Thursday night’s outing at Old Trafford proved that he still has plenty of work ahead of him.

United were behind for 22 minutes before fighting back through a Rasmus Hojlund brace, giving them a valuable 3-2 win on their quest for Europa League knockout qualification.

After the game, Amorim admitted there were elements of the performance that were better than what he saw at Portman Road on Sunday. But fitness levels in his demanding 3-4-3 formation could be a key factor going forward.

“We had more chances [than against Ipswich] and were more dangerous. But we will have to change players,” Amorim told TNT Sports. “I felt that Rasmus was dead. Some [players] were really, really tired.

“We made four substitutions because of the fitness of the players, not because of what was best for the game. We are in that moment. We need the squad all together and fit.”

United were sliced open for large spells in the first half, with Hakon Evjen and Philip Zinckernagel putting Bodo/Glimt in front after a first-minute goal from Alejandro Garnacho. Hojlund equalised just before the break, but the hosts only started to look convincing when Amorim tweaked the formation and brought Diogo Dalot on for Tyrell Malacia.

It is still early days in the Portuguese manager’s reign, but he will have to continue learning on the job, firstly at home to Everton this Sunday before a daunting trip to Arsenal next week.

Amorim admits he is still in the experimentation phase, which is enough to make his nerves jangle every time United players take to the pitch.

“I get anxious because I don’t know what will happen,” he explained. “You don’t control anything at the moment. We are trying to see different things. Of course, we have an idea for each game, but I don’t know the players very well.

“We go to the game excited because we want to see different things, but at the same time you are a little bit anxious and nervous because you don’t know how the game will go.”