Karel Poborsky gives verdict on Plzen v Man Utd, Czech legend speaks out on what Ruben Amorim is doing

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Manchester United are in the Czech Republic to take on Plzen, the second ranked team in the country.

Plzen are hoping to add their name to the likes of Young Boys, Copenhagen and Astana, unfancied teams who have all beaten Manchester United at home in Europe over the past five years.

Both teams are unbeaten in this year’s Europa League campaign after playing five each, and while Manchester United are heavy favourites due to reputation, form suggests the Red Devils can take nothing for granted.

And United’s visit to the Czech Republic would not be complete without the verdict of ex-Red Devils ace Karel Poborsky.

Karel Poborsky on Plzen v Man Utd

Karel Poborsky has a good relationship with Manchester United, often returning to the club to return in legends games, featuring in the same team as Wayne Rooney earlier this season.

He has been keeping up with United’s 2024/25 season, and believes Plzen may be playing them at a good time.

Poborsky told Sport.cz: “If you ever meet United, it’s at this time. The team is undergoing a restructuring, the new coach Amorim has changed the formation, the system. He is looking for players who would fit in.”

The former winger commended Poborsky for taking the long-term view: “The line-up is changing significantly.

“Amorim claims that if he had set up the team tactically differently, United would probably be better in terms of results. But then again, he wouldn’t have found out what he needs.

“He’s not interested in one match, but in the future. In a year, he wants to be somewhere completely different with United.”

Karel Poborsky’s long career

Karel Poborsky signed for Manchester United in 1996 after starring at the European Championships, in a team that reached the final.

The winger was sold after 18 months to Benfica, unable to dislodge the emerging David Beckham. He went on to play for Lazio and Sparta Prague among others.

Poborsky played more than 400 career games, with a record of six goals in 48 matches for Manchester United.

He earned 118 caps for Czech Republic, featuring at the 2006 World Cup, before announcing his retirement in 2007.