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Last night’s Europa League action:
Colin gets in touch: You won’t hear from Arne Slot today. As Andy Hunter reported he held his press conference yesterday. I think on TNT on Wednesday he said his family was visiting for a few days. Maybe he’s off to visit the Three Graces, Albert Dock, The Cavern & The Cathedrals - “we’ve got one to spare”.
Højlund says Amorim style suits him
Jamie Jackson
After Ramsus Højlund scored twice against Bodø/Glimt in Manchester United’s 3-2 Europa League win, the No 9 stated Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 suited his game.
The victory over the Norwegian champions at Old Trafford was United’s second in the competition and lifted them to 12th with nine points after five games.
Højlund said: “I think the new system, new ideas, are suiting my style of play. I’ve played this sort of football - I don’t say it is the same, but a 3-4-3. I used to play in Atalanta a little bit the same.”
Højlund played for the Italian club in the 2022-23 season, scoring 10 goals in 34 appearances. The Dane was asked what is different between Amorim’s system and that of his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, for him as the centre-forward.
“The press is very different,” the 21-year-old said. “I have to focus a little bit more on what’s in front of me instead of behind. I showed last season with being the top scorer for the team that I can score goals. I’m still very young but obviously I would like to take the responsibility and that’s why I took the No 9 this year because I want to take the next level and the next step. But I still have a lot to grow – I’m still not the finished article.”
Højlund’s goal celebration featured a thumbs-up and thumb-down. “It’s the Gladiator one. We watched it when we were with the national team and I thought it was a nice celebration.”
Let’s get it going with the usual 10 things.
Ahead of that Wembley friendly, here’s a piece from the ever excellent Emma John, comparing the England manager to her English opposite number.
Warnings from the US for Liverpool as the Salah contract saga goes on. Good piece from Ryan Baldi.
Preamble
The Manchester City saga, the on-field stuff that is, continues on Sunday. Whatever next? They take on all conquering Liverpool on Sunday, and could end up 11 points back in the Premier League. That would be amazing but is it time the champions kick back? We’ll hear from Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola today, and the rest of the Premier League managers.
We also await white smoke from Leicester, where Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to be announced as manager.
Join us throughout the day.
