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Rasmus Hojlund came off the bench to score twice and give Ruben Amorim a much-needed win despite another lackluster display from Manchester United in Plzen.
Hojlund’s fourth and fifth goals under Amorim pulled United out of the trap after a game that also provided more questions than answers for the Portuguese.
After a poor opening 45 minutes, United fell behind when another mistake by Andre Onana led to former striker Matej Vydra putting Plzen in front.
Hojlund came on for Marcus Rashford – the England international was sent off after another display – and made an immediate impact, scoring the goal before grabbing the winner in the 88th minute.
Rasmus Højlund in the Champions League and Europa League since joining Man United:
🏟 Game 12
⚽ 10 goalsHe loves European nights 🤩 pic.twitter.com/xDrqw2Cmne
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 12, 2024
The win moves United to fifth in the Europa League table going into tonight’s game but they will need to put in a good showing if they are to do well in the competition.
Very well coordinated in the first half
For an hour, Amorim must have been wondering what he had signed up for as United worked hard against few opponents.
Time and time again the visitors gave the ball away cheaply, struggling to bring any cohesion to their game in what was, admittedly, difficult.
The first half lacked any form with Plzen as bad as their famous opponents.
The two teams managed one chance each – Bruno Fernandes running deep inside his own half before firing a shot that saved brilliantly from home defender Martin Jedlicka while, at the other end, Onana looked on appreciatively as Cheick Souare endured. close to the left of his left pillar.
The lack of attacking intent in the opening period was highlighted by a combined xG of 0.36 – the lowest in the competition this season.
O-for Onana
Onana, at least, shook things up within three minutes of the restart even if it wasn’t the way Amorim would have liked.
Having been at fault for Nottingham Forest’s two goals at Old Trafford at the weekend, the Cameroonian again threw a tantrum when he attempted a low pass from his own area to Matthijs de Ligt. The ball was too low for the Dutchman, which allowed Pavel Sulc to step in and guide Vydra to fire home from close range.
Andre Onana doesn’t want to see this anymore 🫣
A gift from United and Reading keeper, ex-boy Matej Vydra dives to put Plzen ahead 😱
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/fHlsdddhgp
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballantnt) December 12, 2024
Hojlund’s introduction changes the game
United’s task would have been much more difficult if the referee Marian Barbu had seen a slight slip from Rashford on Plzen behind Sampson Dweh. Rashford, who already had a yellow card, ran away and was immediately taken off by Amorim and replaced by Hojlund.
The Dane’s bravery lifted United and, saved by Jedlicka, Hojlund grabbed the lead just after the hour mark.
Not for the first time in recent weeks, the goal was created by the genius of Amad Diallo, the Ivorian nutmegging Svetozar Markovic before Jedlicka fired a shot straight into the path of Hojlund who made no mistake.
United finally looked like a threat when VAR ruled out a handball penalty with Dweh and Hojlund somehow failing to save Fernandes’ excellent ball.
Substitute Mason Mount should have accounted for their tally after 76 minutes but, after good play from Diallo, he had a weekly shot at the goalkeeper.
Mount went close again before United grabbed a late winner.
Fernandes was the winner with a free-kick but there was a lot for Hojlund to do but he was ready, taking the ball from Alexandr Sojka before Jedlicka shot home.
Antony almost added a third late on but was denied by a fine save.
Bring on the magic of United 😍
Hojlund gets the second as some ‘Bruno Brilliance’ gets him to give Man Utd a late lead 👀
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/FQ2E2Rg8Gs
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 12, 2024
