Manchester United secured a hard-fought comeback victory against Viktoria Plzen, defeating them 2-1 which brings them closer to automatic qualification for the Europa League round of 16. Despite another costly mistake from goalkeeper Andre Onana, the team displayed resilience, bouncing back to clinch the win in a difficult matchup.
The game began slowly, with United controlling possession yet struggling to convert it into meaningful chances. In a turn of events during the second half, Onana inadvertently gifted Plzen an early goal by misplaying a back pass, allowing Matej Vydra to score with ease.
Recognizing the need for change, United’s coach Ruben Amorim made timely substitutions, bringing on Rasmus Hojlund, who proved crucial. Hojlund netted the equalizer after a setup from Amad Diallo, and later secured the win, converting a free kick from Bruno Fernandes.
United’s captain Bruno Fernandes mentioned that the conditions, particularly the cold and boggy pitch, presented challenges. However, he praised Hojlund’s strength and movement in scoring the decisive goal. Fernandes also reinforced the team’s trust in Onana, stating that mistakes are part of the game and underlining the collective effort required to recover from setbacks.
This victory marks United’s first away win in Europe since March 2023 and ends Viktoria Plzen’s 12-match unbeaten home streak in European competitions. The win elevates Manchester United to fifth place in their group.
The performance showcased a blend of struggle and determination, highlighting the ongoing journey of manager Ruben Amorim, who is only the third United manager to win his first two European matches in charge, following legends Matt Busby and Alex Ferguson. As the team prepares for a significant Manchester derby ahead, they will look to build on this triumph.
Overall, while there remain areas for improvement, the test in Plzen provides a silver lining—a demonstration of resolve and teamwork that could enhance their confidence moving forward into future matches.