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Manchester United snatch crucial victory at Viktoria Pltzen, thanks to Rasmus Hojlund’s late heroics.
Manchester United’s UEFA Europa League campaign received a significant boost as Rasmus Hojlund’s second-half brace secured a hard-fought 2-1 win at Viktoria Pltzen.
The Denmark striker’s introduction from the bench proved pivotal, as he scored twice to turn the match in United’s favour.
The Red Devils dominated possession throughout, but struggled to create meaningful opportunities in a lackluster first half. Bruno Fernandes’ 25-yard drive, which was well saved by the Viktoria Pltzen goalkeeper, was one of the few notable moments in an otherwise uneventful opening period.
The match sprang to life in the 48th minute when a wayward pass from Andre Onana allowed Matej Vydra to capitalize and score into an empty net. A setback that prompted United manager Ruben Amorim to make a trio of substitutions, which ultimately altered the course of the game.
One of these changes, the introduction of Hojlund, proved particularly inspiring as the striker equalized in the 62nd minute, touching in Amad Diallo’s deflected cross-shot. United’s dominance thereafter was rewarded when Hojlund again rifled in Fernandes’ cleverly disguised free-kick two minutes from time, securing a vital victory for the Red Devils.
The win ends a run of two successive defeats for new Man United boss and elevates United to fifth in the Europa League table, leaving them well-placed to secure a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the knockout stages. While the performance was far from flawless, Amorim’s tactical acumen and willingness to make bold changes proved decisive.
As United prepare to face Manchester City in a highly anticipated derby on Sunday, this victory provides a timely boost. Amorim will be eager to build on this momentum and secure another impressive result against their local rivals.
