PLZEN, CZECH REPUBLIC – DECEMBER 12: Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United (obscured) celebrates scoring his teams second goal with teammates during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between FC Viktoria Plzen and Manchester United at Stadion mesta Plzne on December 12, 2024 in Plzen, Czech Republic. (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)
Manchester United rallied from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen in UEFA Europa League action on Thursday night.
UEFA Europa League
Report: Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Manchester United
Date: 12 December 2024
Venue: Doosan Aréna
United coach Ruben Amorim rang the changes after the loss to Nottingham Forest, as Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia and Noussair Mazraoui.
The Red Devils dominated possession from the onset against Plzen outfit who were happy to sit back on soak up the pressure while looking to catch their opponents out on the break.
The visitors had to wait until the 30th minute for their first sight at goal as Bruno Fernandes surged towards goal before unleashing a low strike that forced goalkeeper Martin Jedlicka into a fine save.
That proved to be the only chance of the opening 45 minutes, as coach Amorim cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as his side struggled to carve out more opportunities despite dominating the possession.
That all changed five minutes after the break when Pavel Sulc pounced on a poor pass by goalkeeper Andre Onana and unselfishly teed up Matej Vydra, who made no mistake from six yards out to hand Plzen the lead.
The lead only lasted 13 minutes when Amad Diallo saw his shot saved and parried into the path of substitute Rasmus Hojlund who tapped into an empty net to bring the Premier League outfit level.
The visiting side should have taken the lead with 13 minutes left on the clock when Diallo sent Mason Mount through on goal, however the former Chelsea man failed to beat Jedlicka in a one-on-one situation.
However, United got their reward on 88 minutes when Fernandes’ quick thinking from a free-kick release Hojlund, who turned his marker before firing into the far corner to complete his brace and seal the winner.
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