Second-half substitute Rasmus Højlund scored twice as Manchester United secured a 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
The hosts took the lead shortly after half-time, with Matej Vydra capitalising on an error by United goalkeeper André Onana to score into an empty net. However, six minutes after replacing Marcus Rashford, Danish forward Højlund equalised in the 62nd minute, tapping in Amad Diallo’s deflected shot.
Just two minutes from time, Højlund struck again, latching onto a clever free-kick from Bruno Fernandes and finishing clinically past Plzeň goalkeeper Martin Jedlička.
Hosts Strike First
Former Premier League forward Matej Vydra, who previously played for Watford, West Bromwich Albion, Reading, Derby, and Burnley, opened the scoring for Viktoria Plzeň three minutes into the second half. Pavel Šulc intercepted Onana’s pass and teed up Vydra for an easy finish.
The goal prompted a swift response from United manager Rúben Amorim, who made three substitutions, including introducing Højlund.
Højlund’s Heroics
Højlund’s impact was immediate, restoring parity with a poacher’s finish before sealing the comeback with a composed turn and strike in the closing moments. Captain Fernandes was instrumental, delivering the decisive assist with a quick-thinking free-kick.
Speaking after the match, Amorim admitted it wasn’t United’s best performance but praised his substitutes.
“It was not a great game,” said Amorim. “But the substitutes changed it. They’re there to make a difference, and they did.”
Amorim, who took charge after replacing Erik ten Hag in November, added: “I’m pleased with the resilience. It’s an important message not to give up.”
Match Highlights
The match began cautiously, with both teams level on nine points from five group-stage games. United’s Fernandes tested Jedlička with a low drive after 30 minutes, while Plzeň’s Cheick Souaré curled a shot just wide before half-time.
In the second half, Jedlička denied substitutes Mason Mount and Antony from close range, but he could do nothing to stop Højlund’s brace, which leaves United well-placed for direct qualification to the Europa League last 16.
Amorim concluded: “We controlled the game but lacked pace in the first half. There’s still room for improvement, and we want to progress quickly.”
Manchester United will next host Rangers at Old Trafford on 23 January.