Rasmus Hojlund goal celebration explained after Man Utd fans feared punishment following Bodo/Glimt heroics

United went ahead against Bodo/Glimt in the first minute last night, with Alejandro Garnacho tapping home after Hojlund had forced an error from goalkeeper Nikita Khaikin.

The Norwegian side then turned the fixture around, with Hakon Evjen and Philip Zinckernagel on target.

Yet United secured a first win of the Ruben Amorim era through Hojlund, with the former Atalanta striker bagging twice to secure all three points.

After his first goal, the 21-year-old ran to fans and gave them a thumbs up - before turning it to a thumbs down.

He then performed a throat-slitting gesture, which had some supporters fearing he'd be punished.

Yet Hojlund was merely paying tribute to the character of Emperor Geta, who did it in Gladiator II when deciding whether or not somebody should be sent to their death.

JUST IN: Snooker row erupts at UK Championships as Steve Davis makes urgent demand to tournament bosses

The young forward has blown hot and cold at United ever since his move from Atalanta back in the summer transfer window of 2023.

However, there are hopes he can evolve under Amorim - especially given how the 39-year-old coaxed the best from Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting Lisbon.

Hojlund spoke out after the game.

And he admitted United players were eager to put in the work under their new boss as they seek a successful campaign following a turbulent start.

READ MORE: Five things learned as Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim survives embarrassing Europa League scare

"New system, new ideas and I think we made a step in the right direction today, but obviously it's going to take some time but it's three points at home, which is good," he said.

"I think the idea is getting a little bit under the skin, but it needs to take time because the new manager has just come in. We work very hard on the training pitch and we've not had any days off.

"For me personally, the style suits me very well and I'm very happy the new boss is here.

"I think we're still in the process of learning this new system and obviously there are players who have to play in different positions that they've been used to and new roles for different players."

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

• Lewis Hamilton fears Mercedes decision has already put him on the back foot at Ferrari
• Michael van Gerwen risks making a fool of himself with Luke Littler snub ahead of World Darts Championships
• Tyson Fury shows off incredible body transformation for Oleksandr Usyk rematch as boxing fans in agreement

As for Amorim, the United boss admitted he was blown away by the reception he received after managing at Old Trafford for the first time.

“The first thing is that half of the stadium doesn't really know me," he said.

"I came from Portugal - I did nothing for this club yet.

"So the way they make me feel at home, it's so special, you know, it's not after something, it's before something.

"This is something special. And I will keep this to the end of my career.

"It’s a special moment in my career, I hope it will be one of the many games here.

"It’s a great crowd, great supporters. They are hungry for wins, that’s what we want to give them.

"One more win in Europe, improve the team, show them what we are working on.”