Rasmus Hojlund had a night to remember after coming off the bench to score a match-winning brace against FC Viktoria Plzen.
Manchester United recorded their first away win in Europe since last March as they overcame Czech opposition by beating Plzen 2-1.
Plzen were unable to create anything dangerous in the first half as Manchester United had control of possession for the most part. That said, the Reds were unable to do anything with that possession.
Joshua Zirkzee struggled to hold-up possession which resulted in countless moves being killed in the final third. United needed something else up front; more strength, pace and someone with an eye for goal. That’s why Hojlund came on and outshone Zirkzee.
It was another chance for the Dutch striker to prove his worth to Ruben Amorim – but it will count as a wasted opportunity in hindsight.
Rasmus Hojlund says Ruben Amorim is impacting relationships
Rasmus Hojlund made a huge impact on the game after coming on as a substitute in the second half, but he also identified that Amorim is trying to get United players who complement each other to build up relationships on the pitch, which evidently showed in the Europa League clash.
Speaking to MUTV after the match, Hojlund said: “Getting in front for a goal and that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m very happy with the two goals but the most important thing is getting the win and getting a step closer to the knockouts.”
He added: “I think it’s about getting those connections with each other, especially when you’re playing this sort of system and there are people close to each other.
“It’s very important to understand movements. The manager is also trying to sort of play with players who complement each other very well, so yeah… it’s good.”
Over 34 minutes, the Denmark international completed a brace to secure United’s 2-1 win over Plzen. It was his 10th goal in Europe for the club as Hojlund made history by becoming the third United striker to score 9+ goals in Europe before turning 22.
Hojlund’s brace means that no United player has scored more goals than the Dane in Europe this season.
Europa League clash suited Rasmus Hojlund
The game was made for the Dane, and when he came on, he took his chance. He reflected on this post-match.
Speaking to MUTV after the match, Hojlund also said: “It was a bit difficult in the beginning of the game. We had to read them and they played man-to-man, so we got a little bit more control after the team talk at half-time.
“After that, we got loads more chances and we killed the game in the second half. I think the game suited me well. The opponent was brave to play man-to-man and that’s where I have my qualities, running into the channels and killing the defenders with my speed and power.
Hojlund was a different animal on Thursday night. Now, Manchester United just need to see this Rasmus more often.
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