New Delhi: Rasmus Hojlund came off the bench to inspire Manchester United to a 2-1 Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen in freezing Bohemia. Ruben Amorim’s side ended a run of successive defeats, taking a significant step towards the knockout stages.
For much of the contest, it seemed like United were heading for their first European loss this season. Former Burnley striker Matej Vydra pounced on an Andre Onana mistake early in the second half to give the Czech side a shock lead. Onana, under scrutiny after recent errors, hesitated while playing out from the back, allowing Pavel Sulc to intercept and set up Vydra’s composed finish.
United struggled to find rhythm but Amorim’s substitution turned the tide. Hojlund replaced Marcus Rashford and equalised just six minutes later. A clever free-kick caught Plzen off-guard, and Amad Diallo’s blocked attempt fell perfectly for the Dane to score from close range.
A late victory in Plzen 🙏#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 12, 2024
United pushed for a winner, with Bruno Fernandes at the heart of their attacking play. The captain created the decisive moment in the 88th minute. His low-driven free-kick found Hojlund, who held off his marker, controlled the ball, and fired past Martin Jedlicka. The win ended United’s seven-month wait for an away European victory.
Plzen had their moments too. Vydra narrowly missed adding to his tally, while Cheick Souare’s curling effort tested Onana before half-time. Jedlicka kept the hosts in contention with saves against Mason Mount and Alejandro Garnacho, but Hojlund’s quality proved decisive in the end.
This win gives Amorim much-needed momentum after back-to-back defeats in the Premier League. United now edge closer to sealing a place in the Europa League knockout stages.
Rasmus Hojlund scored twice as Manchester United came from behind to beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in the Europa League. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
