Manchester United have had a hectic start under new manager Ruben Amorim, and a trip to the Czech Republic in mid-December is likely not on his top selling points for leaving Sporting as he did midway through the season, but the Europa League still offers a huge chance to ease the pressures of the domestic action, and also allows the new manager to test his squad, implement his system and learn about his players, while still competing against a tricky opponent in Viktoria Plzeň who weren’t to be underestimated as United learnt in this clash.

The result leaves United in a strong position for automatic qualification, and continues their unbeaten run in the Europa League this season. While the domestic games are very much up and down, the European games have provided a great relief for fans this season. For now though, automatic qualification remains the main goal, and domestically it’s the Manchester derby up next.

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Teams

Manchester United continued their chopping and changing as Amorim eyes up his strongest XI and learns more about his squad. This time he trusted Rashford to lead the line for the first hour until replacing him with Hojlund who showed the glimpses of European quality we’ve become accustomed to in European games in recent years. There was a rare start for Malacia who continues his return from injury, and Casemiro again was replaced late on as Ugarte comes in for the closing stages to add the energy and aggression needed in the closing moments of games.

For Plzeň, it’s fair to say there weren’t many standout notable names on the team sheet from a ignorant UK fan perspective, however notably former Burnley man Vydra was a name fans would likely recognise from his spells across several English sides in recent years.

FC Viktoria Plzeň: Jedlicka, Jemelka, Markovic, Dweh, Kalvach, Cerv, Souare, Cadu (Havel 78′), Sulc, Vydra (Sojka 86′), Vasulin (Adu 71′)

Subs: Tvrdon, Baier, Kopic, Paluska, Hejda, Panos, Jirka, Mosquera, Sloncik

Manchester United: Onana, Martinez, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Malacia (Antony 61′), Fernandes, Casemiro (Ugarte 81′), Dalot (Garnacho 81′), Rashford (Hojlund 56′), Amad, Zirkzee (Mount 61′)

Subs: Bayindir, Maguire, Yoro, Lindelof, Eriksen, Mainoo, Collyer

FC Viktoria Plzeň 1-2 Manchester United

Manchester United produced a resilient comeback to secure a 2–1 victory away at Viktoria Plzeň on Thursday. After a goalless first half played under chilly conditions at the Doosan Arena, it was Plzeň’s former Burnley and Watford striker Matej Vydra who capitalised on a defensive lapse. A misdirected pass from André Onana was intercepted by Pavel Sulc, who set up Vydra to slot home in the 48th minute, sending the Czech side into ecstasy.

United gradually grew into the game, and Rasmus Højlund, introduced as a substitute for Marcus Rashford in the 56th minute, sparked the turnaround. Six minutes later, he pounced on the rebound after Amad Diallo’s tight-angle effort struck a defender, lashing the equaliser into an empty net. The momentum had clearly shifted with the visitors pressed forward with increased purpose and intensity, testing Plzeň’s defence and keeper Martin Jedlicka with several close chances.

With victory in sight, Højlund struck again in the 88th minute. Bruno Fernandes’s low free-kick caught Plzeň off guard, delivering the ball to Højlund, who controlled it brilliantly and fired past the keeper to seal the win, United’s first away victory in Europe since March 2023. The result keeps them unbeaten in six Europa League group games and strengthens their bid for automatic qualification to the Round of 16.

Talking Points

Rasmus Højlund delivered one of his most convincing performances in a Manchester United shirt, coming off the bench to turn the tide in a tense European encounter. Introduced just before the hour mark, the Danish striker injected urgency and clinical edge into United’s attack. His first goal, a composed finish following a scramble in the box, settled nerves, but it was his second, an instinctive strike from Bruno Fernandes’s quick free-kick, that showcased his poacher’s instinct. After a testing start to life in Manchester, Højlund is beginning to justify the club’s faith in his potential, with his match-winning brace in Plzeň a timely reminder of his growing influence.

The comeback itself was emblematic of a side still ironing out its flaws, but rediscovering a crucial sense of resilience. United were second-best for large stretches of the match and paid the price for a sloppy error early in the second half, when André Onana’s misjudged pass led directly to Matej Vydra’s opener for the hosts. However, rather than crumble, United regrouped and responded with greater intensity. The introduction of Højlund and Amad Diallo proved decisive, with the former leading the charge as Amorim’s men wrestled back control. It was not a vintage performance, but in grinding out a result from a losing position, United demonstrated the character that has often been questioned this season.

The result leaves Manchester United in a commanding position in the new-look group stage format, with automatic qualification to the Europa League Round of 16 now firmly in their sights. With their European form contrasting their domestic inconsistency, this performance, while flawed, offers a platform to build on heading into the knockout stages. For a team searching for momentum, Thursday night’s gritty win in the Czech Republic could prove a vital turning point.