Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim hailed his team’s adaptability and fighting spirit as they overcame a sluggish start to defeat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in the UEFA Europa League. The comeback marked United’s first European away victory in over a year and kept their hopes of a strong league-phase finish alive.
The match, played on a challenging surface at the Doosan Arena, began with a tepid first half where United controlled possession but lacked creativity and precision in the final third. Plzen capitalized early in the second half with a Matej Vydra strike, leaving the Reds trailing and needing inspiration.
Amorim’s response was decisive. He introduced key substitutions and instructed his team to quicken the pace and exploit spaces behind Plzen’s defense. The tactical shift transformed United’s attack, with Rasmus Hojlund leading the charge. The Danish striker netted twice in the final 30 minutes, demonstrating composure and an eye for goal that has earned him Amorim’s trust.
The manager also praised the impact of substitutes like Antony, who added energy and unpredictability to United’s play. “The changes made a difference,” Amorim remarked. “We brought in fresh legs and added the speed and movement we needed to turn the game around.”
Despite acknowledging room for improvement in possession and attacking cohesion, Amorim celebrated the win as a critical step forward. “We showed fight and determination,” he said. “This victory gives us momentum and belief as we push to avoid the February play-offs and compete at the highest level.” With the win, United’s European journey gains new life, setting the stage for a promising run.
