Viktoria Plzen vs Man Utd LIVE: Europa League result and reaction as Hojlund brace ensures win
Ruben Amorim’s side look to bounce back from consecutive defeats with an away clash in Europe
Manchester United weathered another mistake from Andre Onana to complete a comeback victory over Viktoria Plzen to move closer to winning automatic qualification for the Europa League round of 16.
The first half in the Czech Republic has a lacklustre affair as United controlled possession but created little opportunities. In comparison the hosts looked sharp on the counter-attack and weren’t shy to shoot.
Plzen were then gifted the opening goal in the second half as Onana attempted to play out from back. The United goalkeeper gave up the ball and allowed Matej Vydra to tap in from close range.
Ruben Amorim switched things up almost immediately and brought on the substitutions. Mason Mount was a bright spark but Rasmus Hojlund changed the game. He got on the end of passes from Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes to equalise and then win the game late in the day.
Relive the Europa League action with our live blog below:
FT Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Man Utd
This was Manchester United’s first away win in Europe since beating Real Betis in March 2023.
FT Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Man Utd
Ruben Amorim becomes only the third Manchester United manager to win his first two European matches in charge of the club, after Matt Busby and Alex Ferguson.
Full-time! Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Man Utd
90+5 mins: The whistle goes!
Manchester United get the three points and become the first team in two years to win here in Europe. They’re up to fifth in the Europa League and should take some confidence into the Manchester derby.
Ruben Amorim’s in game management was wonderful and the Red Devils are back to winning ways.
Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Man Utd
90+3 mins: Noussair Mazraoui is booked for delaying the restart after Antony misses a good chance from inside the penalty area. He sends his effort straight at the goalkeeper who keeps it out.
Martin Jedlicka has had a strong game.
Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Man Utd
90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play. Can United hold on here?
GOAL! Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Man Utd (Rasmus Hojlund, 88’)
Superb!
Bruno Fernandes takes the free kick and drills it low into the left side of the box. Rasmus Hojlund brings the ball under control and then hooks it into the far corner.
Lovely finish.
Viktoria Plzen 1-1 Man Utd
87 mins: Fernandes wins United a corner and jogs over to take it himself before leaving it for Mason Mount. Mount’s delivery is decent and goes deep. Plzen work it away but give up a free kick for handball.
Viktoria Plzen 1-1 Man Utd
86 mins: The momentum has swung. Man Utd have been the better side in the second half and a second goal wouldn’t be undeserved.
They’re still shaky in defence and could get caught out again.
Hojlund receives the ball on the inside right. He carries it into the box and finds Mount making the run in behind. Mount shoots from a tight angle but can’t beat the goalkeeper.
Viktoria Plzen 1-1 Man Utd
84 mins: Those final changes signal Ruben Amorim’s intent. He wants United to go on and win this game and has brought on a lot of attacking reinforcements.
Is the desire and quality there for them to do so?
Viktoria Plzen 1-1 Man Utd
81 mins: The substitutions have helped United get back into this game. They’ve been lively and have put more urgency into the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
Fernandes goes down after clashing with Souare.
Manuel Ugarte and Alejandro Garnacho are brought on to replace Casemiro and Diogo Dalot.
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