Rasmus Hojlund inspires comeback as Man Utd edge Plzen in Europa League

The Danish striker's late heroics turned a frustrating night into an uplifting win for Ruben Amorim's side, showcasing glimpses of progress under their new manager.

The match began inauspiciously for United, whose disjointed first-half display mirrored the growing pains of Amorim's tenure.

Dominating possession but creating little, they fell behind early in the second half when goalkeeper Andre Onana's misplaced pass allowed Matej Vydra to slot home for the hosts.

It was a moment to forget for the United backline, which has struggled for coherence in recent weeks.

Marcus Rashford, visibly frustrated, nearly compounded United's woes with a reckless challenge that narrowly avoided earning him a second yellow card. Recognising the danger, Amorim replaced Rashford with Hojlund in the 55th minute, a decision that proved pivotal.

Hojlund's introduction revitalised United's attack. Just ten minutes later, Mason Mount, another substitute, provided a precise cross for Hojlund to head home the equaliser. The momentum shifted decisively, and United pressed relentlessly for the winner.

It arrived in the dying moments, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker's incisive through-ball was met by Hojlund, whose composed finish sealed the comeback.

The young striker has now scored five goals in six Europa League appearances, further cementing his importance in Amorim's evolving system.

"We're improving, but it takes time," Hojlund admitted post-match. Speaking to reporters, he said, "We're learning the routines during matches because we don't have many sessions to train. It's challenging, but we're adapting."

The victory lifted United to fifth in their Europa League group, boosting their chances of avoiding the play-off round.

Amorim acknowledged the importance of the result, noting, "Wins like these are crucial for morale and development."

United's defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, with Onana and the backline still searching for consistency. However, with promising performances from players like Hojlund and Mount, there are signs of optimism.

The focus now shifts to Sunday's Premier League clash against defending champions Manchester City, a test that will undoubtedly demand greater cohesion and composure.

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