Exclusive: Bodø Can Surprise 'New' Manchester United — Stig Johansen On Their Europa League Chances

Former Bodø/Glimt legend Stig Johansen has expressed his views regarding the club's upcoming UEFA Europa League meeting with Manchester United, stressing the need to remain optimistic despite admitting the Premier League side are a tad above them in quality. 

Stig, a popular figure in Norway made over 245 appearances for the Yellow Horde during his playing days, and featured for the Eliteserien side in the European secondary competition. 

With a date on the card with Ruben Amorim's new team looming next week, Stig has lauded the great deal of work already done at the club and believes they can get something out of that fixture. 

Bodø, A Club On The Rise

Having dropped out of the race to qualify for this season's Champions League after losing out to Crvena zvezda, manager Kjetil Knutsen has quickly set about building a team worthy of contending and winning the Europa League, and have already claimed the scalp of European powerhouse FC Porto in the competition. 

Sitting 12th on the standings with two wins and a draw from their first four games, the Nordland County club are on course to advance into the next rounds of the competition thanks to their free-flowing, attacking football. 

Thus, Stig reckons there is 'some quality in the team' and Knutsen has done just fine with his modest side. However, the Old Trafford test is a tough one though he is not dismissing their chances having seen underdog teams play them and pick up points in recent times. 

Facing A New-Look United In Europe

Manchester United recently appointed Ruben Amorim to lead the side following the sacking of erstwhile coach Erik Ten Hag after a string of underwhelming performances by the Red Devils. 

While the former Sporting manager has made a name for himself in the Portuguese topflight and even handed out a 4-1 thrashing to soon-to-be Premier League rivals Manchester City in the Champions League, Amorim is expected to bring a new wave and a fresh breath of life with him when he resumes at Old Trafford later this month. 

"Getting a new coach in, I think is very good for them," Stig told SportsBoom.com. 

"They needed something that fresh. Ruben seems like a good and young coach, could bring them back closer to the other top teams in European club football."

"It's not the best time to be playing them because all the players will try to be up for it, to show themselves and their abilities to the new man."

"They will look so much rejuvenated now, and they're already a top side to play. But we'll be up for it and try to play our game."

United Are Favorites, But Bodø Can Spring Surprises

When Knutsen takes his side to Manchester for Thursday's clash, Stig knows who would be under so much pressure to deliver notwithstanding. 

"I think Bodø will give Man United a good fight, but they are big, big favourites."

"It's not the best time to be playing them because all the players will try to be up for it, to show themselves and their abilities to the new man."

"But we're a strong team as well and hi we're having a good chance to get something out of it. It will be very hard though, if I'm being realistic."

"If we get a draw, I'll take it any day. Hopefully we'll have a good game, and the Bodø players can show themselves against some of the best players in European football, and show that Norwegian football is improving everyday. 

"I can only wish them all the best."