Manchester United’s hopes of qualifying for the Europa League last 16 have taken boost following a 2-1 win against Viktoria Plzen.
Ahead of the game, Ruben Amorim demanded his side get the victory to improve their chances of a top-eight finish which means avoiding two extra play-off games in the new year.
And he got exactly what he wanted, though it was far from easy as super-sub Rasmus Hojlund scored a brace to help the Red Devils come from behind to seal a third straight win in the competition.
The result has lifted United up to fifth in the table and they can feel a lot better about their chances of a last-16 place.
Having said that, Amorim cut a frustrated figure on the touchline during the first half as his side struggled to create a meaningful chance with Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford kept largely quiet.
The Portuguese tactician’s mood would not have improved early in the second half as Andre Onana gifted the ball to Pavel Šulc who then squared for Reading old-boy Matej Vydra to score from close range and break the deadlock.
That goal forced Amorim’s hand and he brought on Holjund, Antony and Mason Mount in a bid to change the game.
Moments later United were on level terms, the Brazilian started the move which was finished off by the Denmark international as he tapped the ball home from a yard out after Amad Diallo’s effort was saved.
As the visitors pushed for a winner, Mount was twice denied but a moment of genius from Fernandes to play a quick free-kick down the side for Hojlund was the difference between the two sides as the Man Utd number nine finished with aplomb.
