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:
Viktoria Plzen 1-0 Man Utd
57 mins: Ruben Amorim does respond with a change. Rasmus Hojlund comes on to replace Marcus Rashford. Rashford was on yellow card and had just escaped a second booking for a wild tackle.
He’s also not had much of an effect on the game. What can Hojlund muster up?
Viktoria Plzen 1-0 Man Utd
54 mins: United have done well to get possession but now they need more attacking flair. That may only come with substitutions but Amorim will also have the Manchester derby on the back of his mind.
His first aim needs to be turning this game around.
Viktoria Plzen 1-0 Man Utd
51 mins: That goal caps off another poor performance from Andre Onana. He was shaky in the first half and is now at fault for the goal. That also comes after giving away goals against Nottingham Forest in United’s previous game.
What will Ruben Amorim be thinking now?
GOAL! Viktoria Plzen 1-0 Man Utd (Matej Vyrda, 48’)
Wow!
Andre Onana gifts another goal away. He passes the ball to Pavel Sulc as Plzen press up the pitch. Sulc squares a pass into the Matej Vydra who taps it into the open goal.
Viktoria Plzen 0-0 Man Utd
48 mins: Lukas Kalvach drills a shot from range and hits teammate Daniel Vasulin on the edge of the box. There’s been no changes in personnel at the break.
Second half! Viktoria Plzen 0-0 Man Utd
Viktoria Plzen get the ball rolling again. They launch it forward and Lisandro Martinez heads the ball away.
HT Viktoria Plzen 0-0 Man Utd
Viktoria Plzen were last beaten at home in Europe by Barcelona, two years ago. They’re stubborn customers but United need to do more to upset their rhythm and put pressure on the defenders.
What words of wisdom will Ruben Amorim have for the second half?
HT Viktoria Plzen 0-0 Man Utd
Manchester Unitedhad 71% possession in the first half and didn’t do anything with it. They created three shots with two of them on target.
In contrast, Plzen had eight attempts at goal though only one of theirs troubled Andre Onana. Not the best half of football.
Half-time! Viktoria Plzen 0-0 Man Utd
45+3 mins: Ruben Amorim probably underestimated the job he needed to do with these Man Utd players. There doesn’t seem to be any rhythm or sense of intuitiveness between the players.
Nothing to split the teams are the break. Will there be goals in the second half?
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