- Manchester United secured a 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League
- Substitute Rasmus Hojlund scored twice to earn the Red Devils the win
- The team’s performance improved in the second half after several substitutions and positional adjustments
- Manager Ruben Amorim praised the impact of substitutes Hojlund, Antony, and Mason Mount
- Amorim viewed tense moments between players as a positive sign of their investment in the game
Key Takeaways:
Manchester United came out on top in the sixth-round Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen, prevailing with the score of 2-1 away from home. The home side initially took the lead through Matej Vydra in the 48th minute, following a mistake by Andre Onana. However, substitute Rasmus Hojlund turned the game around with two goals in the 62nd and 88th minutes.
Highlights from Thursday's game ⬇️#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 13, 2024
The first half of the game was marked by lackluster performances and errors from Ruben Amorim’s players. The second half began similarly, but after making several substitutions and adjusting positions, United managed to gain momentum and secure the win. Hojlund, who scored the decisive goals, expressed his optimism about the team’s progress under the Portuguese manager, stating, “It’s getting better and better under Ruben Amorim.” However, he also acknowledged that the team still needs more time to gel and refine their routines, citing limited training time as a challenge.
Amorim himself was pleased with the impact of his substitutes, particularly Hojlund, Antony, and Mason Mount, saying, “They are there to do that. So I’m very pleased with that, very happy with all of them.” The manager also addressed the tense moments between players, such as the exchange between Amad and Hojlund after the game, viewing it as a positive sign of their emotional investment in the game. Amorim compared the team to a family, where arguments and fights can occur, but ultimately demonstrate a deep care and commitment to each other. This attitude reflects Amorim’s emphasis on building a strong team dynamic and fostering a sense of unity among his players.