Man Utd's win at Viktoria Plzen fails to mask dismal display that will concern Amorim

Manchester United remain far from being a title challenging side (Image: GETTY)

Manchester United's performance in their showdown with Viktoria Plzen seemed to reflect the influence of Pilsner lager, the city's famous brew. Despite a sluggish start and falling behind against spirited but average opponents, they managed to secure a win thanks to substitute Rasmus Hojlund's two goals.

Manager Ruben Amorim, while pleased with the team's resilience, will undoubtedly have concerns about the overall performance. The lacklustre display was such that even a team from Victoria's Secret could have posed a challenge.

Hojlund's last-minute winner did little to disguise the disappointing performance. However, as they prepare for Sunday's derby against Manchester City, United can take solace in the fact that Pep Guardiola's champions are currently faring worse.

Rasmus Hojlund scored two as United came from behind in Plzen (Image: GETTY)

Despite the shaky performance, a win is still a win – marking United's first away victory in Europe since March 2023. Amorim now has three wins, two losses, and a draw under his belt, perfectly encapsulating United's ongoing unpredictability.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana made another blunder leading to a goal, Marcus Rashford had to be substituted before he risked being sent off, and United's play lacked fluency throughout the match.

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In a chaotic first 10 minutes, Onana managed to punch teammate Casemiro in the head when attempting to clear a cross, and then lost control of the ball after a one-handed flap at another cross.

Amorim was visibly irate with his team's lacklustre start, particularly with striker Joshua Zirkzee who lost possession a staggering 16 times in the first half. United's defence seemed to crumble under pressure, creating a sense of unease and disarray throughout the first half.

Amorim was visibly irate with his team's lacklustre start, particularly with striker Joshua Zirkzee (Image: GETTY)

Despite this poor performance, Amorim chose not to make any changes at half-time, with Zirkzee, Rashford and Diogo Dalot among those fortunate to remain on the pitch. Goalkeeper Onana was also lucky to stay on after a shaky first half, a decision Amorim likely regretted when Onana gifted Plzen the opening goal just three minutes into the second half.

After receiving a pass from Lisandro Martinez, Onana hesitated before committing to a short pass to Matthijs De Ligt, allowing Pavel Sulc to intercept and set up former Burnley, Reading, West Brom and Watford striker Matej Vydra for an easy goal.

This latest mistake from Onana follows a series of costly errors against Nottingham Forest, putting his position as United's No. 1 goalkeeper in jeopardy.

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Rashford, who was booked just before half-time, was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card shortly after the goal, following a collision with Sampson Dweh, who needed medical attention. Amorim decided he couldn't risk Rashford being sent off and substituted him for Hojlund just 10 minutes into the second-half.

Hojlund levelled the score in the 62nd minute, capitalising on a saved shot from Amad by Jedlicka. Fellow substitute Mason Mount had an opportunity to put United in the lead in the 77th minute, but his close-range attempt was blocked by Jedlicka.

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Despite missing another chance to secure victory, Hojlund's precise finish, set up by a smart Fernandes free-kick, ultimately saved United from embarrassment and handed Amorim a much-needed win.

Man Utd's win at Viktoria Plzen fails to mask dismal display that will concern Amorim

Man Utd's win at Viktoria Plzen fails to mask dismal display that will concern Amorim

Man Utd's win at Viktoria Plzen fails to mask dismal display that will concern Amorim

Man Utd's win at Viktoria Plzen fails to mask dismal display that will concern Amorim

Man Utd's win at Viktoria Plzen fails to mask dismal display that will concern Amorim