Player ratings as Manchester United edge past Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League

Manchester United continued their Europa League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen. Ruben Amorim’s side showed resilience after going behind, with substitute Rasmus Højlund staging a late comeback.

Slow start in Pilsen

The game started slowly and both teams struggled to create meaningful chances in the first half. Viktoria Pilsen, compact and disciplined, limited United’s attacking threats and left the Red Devils frustrated and lacking urgency.

The game picked up steam shortly after half-time when United gave Viktoria the lead. Andre Onana’s bad pass was intercepted by Pavel Šulc, who calmly passed the ball to Matej Vydra. The Czech veteran, no stranger to English football, made no mistake from close range.

Højlund to the rescue

Vydra’s goal seemed to spur United into action. Ruben Amorim turned to his bench and introduced Rasmus Højlund to initiate the attack. The Danish striker made an immediate impact, capitalizing on a saved shot from Amad Diallo to equalize.

United’s pressure increased, but without overwhelming the hosts. Viktoria Plzen’s defense held firm until the end, but Bruno Fernandes, growing into the game, provided a crucial moment of quality. His disguised free kick landed on Højlund, who with skillful control produced a confident left-footed shot and secured all three points for the visitors.

Tactical adjustments pay off

Ruben Amorim’s tactical skills were evident in his substitutions, particularly the introduction of Højlund and Antony, both of whom added dynamism to United’s attack. Although United’s performance was far from brilliant, their ability to produce good results in difficult away games bodes well for their Europa League ambitions.

Pilsen, on the other hand, can be proud of its disciplined performance. Despite the defeat, they showed they could compete with Europe’s elite, particularly with the contributions of players like Pavel Šulc and Lukas Kalvach.

Player ratings: Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United

Victoria Plzen

• Martin Jedlička (TW): 6 – Stable performance, but couldn’t do much about the goals.

• Sampson Dweh (CB): 7 – A solid presence on defense.

• Svetozar Marković (CB): 6 – Had problems with United’s forwards.

• Václav Jemelka (CB): 7 – Consistently made crucial interceptions.

• Cadu (RM): 6 – Worked hard but lacked the final product.

• Lukas Kalvach (CM): 7 – Controlled midfield well at times.

• Lukas Serv (CM): 7 – Energetic and efficient.

• Cheick Souaré (LM): 7 – Provides a constant attack on the flank.

• Matej Vydra (RF): 7 – Poacher’s finish for the goal.

• Daniel Vašulin (ST): 5 – Anonymous before being substituted.

• Pavel Šulc (LF): 7 – Excellent vision to prepare for the opening game.

Substitute

• Prince Adu: 6 – Additional energy, but no decisive effect.

• Milan Havel: 6 – Struggle to influence the game.

• Alexandr Sojka: N/A – Late cameo appearance.

Manchester United

• Andre Onana (TW): 6 – Crucial error for Pilsen’s goal.

• Noussair Mazraoui (CB): 7 – Calm and reliable in defense.

• Matthijs de Ligt (CB): 7 – Set up the defense effectively.

• Lisandro Martínez (CB): 8 – Dominant and decisive in defense.

• Diogo Dalot (RM): 7 – Contributed both defensively and offensively.

• Casemiro (CM): 8 – Dictated the tempo and broke up the game.

• Bruno Fernandes (CM, captain): 9 – Match-winning quality and vision.

• Tyrell Malacia (LM): 7 – Solid but unspectacular.

• Amad Diallo (RF): 8 – Key to United’s attacking spark.

• Joshua Zirkzee (ST): 6 – Struggled to break through.

• Marcus Rashford (LF): 7 – Worked hard but lacked penetration.

Substitute

• Rasmus Højlund: 9 – Changed the game with his energy and goals.

• Antonius: 7 – Provided much-needed width.

• Mason Mount: 6 – Decent but unspectacular.

• Manuel Ugarte: N/A – Late introduction.

• Alejandro Garnacho: N/A – Not enough time to make a difference.

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