Manchester United celebrate their late winner against Viktoria Plzen
Manchester United celebrate their late winner against Viktoria Plzen
Manchester United's Europa League fate remains hanging in the balance despite a 2-1 victory against Viktoria Plzen.
Temperatures in Czechia dropped to -2C during the game and the cold weather led to a lacklustre first half. While United dominated possession, they were unable to create any major chances with Bruno Fernandes' long-range effort as good as it got for the Reds.
Just two minutes after the restart Andre Onana gifted the hosts the lead with a sloppy pass that was intercepted and eventually turned in by Matej Vydra. Less than 15 minutes later, United were level thanks to a brilliant run by Amad which allowed him to set up Rasmus Hojlund for a tap-in.
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Hojlund would be the hero late on as Fernandes's quick thinking unleashed him in the area to fire home. After an important victory, MEN Sport has taken a closer look at the state of play in the Europa League.
Where are United in the league?
After the early kick-offs in the Europa League, United sit fifth in the table on 12 points. They are inside the top eight, two points above ninth placed Lyon who have a game in hand which will be played this evening.
They are six points above the elimination places so are in a comfortable position to finish in the knockout play-off places at least. Should they finish between eighth and 16th, they will be seeded for the play-offs which gains them the advantage of playing the second leg at home.
Finishing 17th to 24th means they would be unseeded in the play-off draw.
Can United still qualify automatically?
United still have a great chance of avoiding the play-offs and advancing straight to the Europa League knockouts. However, victories in their last two matches are essential to make this a reality.
Those who finish in the top eight bypass the play-offs and are seeded in the round of 16.
Who is still to come for United?
The remaining matches for United in the Europa League are as follows:
Rangers (H) - January 23 at 8pm
FCSB (A) - January 30 at 8pm