Manchester United claimed all three points on Thursday evening, but they had to do it the hard way, battling from behind against Viktoria Plzen on a cold evening in Czechia
19:39, 12 Dec 2024Updated 19:41, 12 Dec 2024
Ruben Amorim's side came from behind(Image: Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim said it was "important to win" in the build-up, and they managed it... just.
On a cold evening in central Europe, Amorim's side avoided one of the all-time European upsets as they battled back from behind against Viktoria Plzen. Rasmus Hojlund bagged a brace for Manchester United as they stole the three points in the dying minutes.
Despite the win, it wasn't quite good enough again from the Red Devils, and Daily Star Sportlooks at what Amorim got right and wrong as United avoided European embarrassment.
Joshua Zirkzee's role
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee struggled on Thursday evening(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
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There's no doubt Joshua Zirkzee is a brilliant footballer - he wouldn't be pulling on a United shirt week-in and week-out if he wasn't - but, again, he looked out of place.
The Dutchman showed flashes of brilliance, but then failed to create anything of note after beating a man. Ruben Amorim has to find ways to get players closer to him, truly bringing the best out of Zirkzee.
"Feel like Zirkzee only works if he’s surrounded by intelligent players who are highly technical, of which we don’t have any," one fan fumed. While a second shared: "If Zirkzee starts 2nd half, Amorim isn’t serious!"
Playing it out from the back
Rasmus Højlund of Manchester United kicks the ball to score a goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between FC Viktoria Plzen and Manchester United at Stadion mesta Plzne on December 12, 2024 in Plzen, Czech Republic.
Man Utd have to learn when to play it out and when to go long(Image: Getty Images)
It's very in vogue, and it has been for the best part of the decade, but there are times when you just have to hammer the ball up front.
This isn't on tactics, it's on individual decisions on the pitch - Andre Onana had to see that Matthijs de Ligt was not in the position to receive the ball. "Andre Onana has now undone all the good work he did this season, today and in the Forest game," one fan fumed.
It's hard to pin the blame on Ruben Amorim here - but the best sides know when you have to clear your lines.
Trusting Amad Diallo
Amad of Manchester United in action during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between FC Viktoria Plzen and Manchester United at Stadion mesta Plzne on December 12, 2024 in Plzen, Czech Republic.
Amad Diallo was the man of the match(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Amad Diallo might just be the standout of player of Ruben Amorim's tenure thus far.
Amad has struggled for game time in recent seasons, even having to go out on loan to seek opportunities - and on Thursday night he was at his brilliant direct best. The Ivorian picked up the ball from Antony and drove at the Plzen defence.
His cut back found Hojlund, who did he best to almost mess up the resulting goal - as it bobbled over the line.
The Marcus Rashford debate
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United reacts after being substituted off during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between FC Viktoria Plzen and Manchester United at Stadion mesta Plzne on December 12, 2024 in Plzen, Czech Republic.
Marcus Rashford's future is up in the air at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford has done a lot for the Red Devils.
However, that time looks like it could be coming to an end, Rashford was hooked first by Ruben Amorim - and there's was no love lost between the pair as they didn't even acknowledge each other as Rashford came off.
"Absolutely no disrespect to Rashford or what he’s done for the club but with the way Amorim wants to play, with the formation, I don’t see where Rashford fits in," one fan said on social media - and it's hard to disagree.
Making the correct changes
Amad of Manchester United celebrates his side's first goal with Antony during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between FC Viktoria Plzen and Manchester United at Stadion mesta Plzne on December 12, 2024 in Plzen, Czech Republic
Ruben Amorim made the right changes in the Europa League(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
There was a brief moment where it looked like the Red Devils were heading for an embarrassing European collapse. One of those famous evening's for one side that the other is desperate to put to bed.
Ruben Amorim spotted the game was slipping and made changes.
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United's hero was Antony, the man who is so often the villain, who was on hand to start the move that led to their equaliser. Before Rasmus Hojlund bagged the winner with mere minutes on the clock.