Rasmus Hojlund roused himself from the bench to steer Manchester United to a 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen and ensure Ruben Amorim’s run of successive defeats came to an end in the Czech Republic.
For much of Thursday night’s contest played in freezing conditions in Bohemia, it looked as though United were staring at the prospect of a first defeat in Europe of the season, after former Burnley striker Matej Vydra pounced on a dreadful mistake from Andre Onana to give the hosts the lead (48).
Amorim looked to his substitutes and summoned Hojlund for the disappointing Marcus Rashford, and the Dane made an instant impact, producing a poacher’s finish after good work from Amad Diallo within six minutes of coming on (62).
Not content with a point, United turned the game around two minutes shy of stoppage time as a disguised free-kick from Bruno Fernandes allowed Hojlund to spin and fire beyond Plzen goalkeeper Martin Jedlicka to propel United up to fifth in the Europa League table.
Amorim’s side remain unbeaten after six games – winning three of them – while Plzen drop to 15th following their first defeat ahead of Thursday’s remaining fixtures.
More to follow…
