Rasmus Hojlund emerged as the hero for Manchester United as his two second-half goals secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday.

The match at the Doosan Arena saw the hosts take the lead shortly after half-time, with Matej Vydra capitalizing on a defensive error. United goalkeeper Andre Onana’s misplaced pass was intercepted by Pavel Sulc, who set up Vydra for a simple finish into an empty net in the 48th minute.

The early setback was a wake-up call for United manager Ruben Amorim, who made three substitutions in response, including introducing Hojlund for Marcus Rashford. The Danish striker needed just six minutes to make his mark, tapping in Amad Diallo’s deflected shot to equalize in the 62nd minute.

United continued to press for a winner, and it came in dramatic fashion two minutes from time. Bruno Fernandes, ever the creative force, delivered a quick free-kick into the box, where Hojlund turned sharply around his marker and finished clinically past Viktoria Plzen goalkeeper Martin Jedlicka.

“It was not a great game,” admitted Amorim after the match. “But the substitutes changed the game. They are there to do that, so I’m pleased. It was important not to give up, and that is a great message.”

The win highlights United’s progress under Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November. However, the team’s sluggish first-half performance demonstrated the work still required to regain consistency.

Plzen came into the match level with United on nine points from five games, and both sides were cautious in the opening exchanges. Bruno Fernandes tested Jedlicka with a low shot in the 30th minute, while Onana was relieved to see Cheick Souare’s curling effort sail narrowly wide before the break.

United’s second-half substitutes injected much-needed energy into the team, with Mason Mount and Antony both coming close to scoring. However, it was Hojlund’s clinical finishing that turned the tide in United’s favor.

The victory puts Manchester United in a strong position to secure direct qualification to the Europa League’s last 16. Looking ahead, they will face Rangers at Old Trafford on January 23, aiming to build on this momentum.

Amorim acknowledged the team’s need for improvement but remained optimistic: “We were controlling the game but lacked pace in the first half. We want to improve, and we want to improve really fast.”

Hojlund’s performance will undoubtedly boost his confidence as United continue their quest for European success.