Rasmus Hojlund’s brace saved Ruben Amorim from his first major embarrassment as Manchester United head coach. The Danish star scored twice after coming on as a substitute as the Red Devils secured a 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.
Andre Onana – 3
Onana’s frequent errors prevent him from being a genuinely elite Premier League goalkeeper. His woeful pass was easily intercepted, with former Watford star Vydra converting.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
United’s defenders did not need to do much defending – it was Onana who gifted Viktoria their goal. Mazraoui seems set to feature prominently under Amorim.
Matthijs de Ligt – 5
De Ligt was astute with his passing and defended with relative comfort.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Like Mazraoui and De Ligt, Martinez had little to do other than keep possession ticking over. Those ahead of the back three must accept responsibility for this hugely underwhelming performance.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Playing at right-wing-back, Dalot struggled to get high enough up the pitch. He was moved to the left in the second half, with Antony playing on the right.
Casemiro – 4
Casemiro lacks the physicality to play in this United team. This should have been a far more comfortable game for the decorated Brazilian.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Fernandes complained his way through a tough game in central midfield. He was correct on one occasion, with Amad choosing the wrong pass on the counter-attack. Fernandes would have been through on goal had the winger passed to him rather than Rashford, with the move quickly fizzling out.
His clever free kick set up Hojlund’s winner.
Tyrell Malacia – 5
Malacia can be absolved of blame for this display – he’s still battling his way back to full fitness after more than 500 days out injured. The wing-back banked another hour of competitive football in a big boost.
Amad Diallo – 6
A mixed display from Amad, who improved in the second half as United increased the tempo. His clever skill led to Hojlund’s goal. Another clever pass found Mason Mount, who should have scored when put one-on-one.
Marcus Rashford – 3
This was a shocker from Rashford. He should have been sent off for a second yellow card before he was dragged off in only the 54th minute, having barely threatened the Czech minnows. The forward desperately needs a change of scenery.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
United’s better attacking work, particularly in the first half, came through Zirkzee. The Dutchman was then partnered by Hojlund, and there is hope that they can form a fruitful partnership.
Substitutes
Rasmus Hojlund – 6
Ultimately, it was Hojlund whose brace turned the game around. Both goals were typically predatory finishes and United need their best striker on the pitch more often.
Mason Mount – 5
Mount missed a great chance when played through by Amad.
Antony – 6
To his credit, the maligned Antony changed the tempo of United’s attacking play and was instrumental in the equaliser. His pass to Amad led to the move that saw Hojlund tap home.
Alejandro Garnacho – N/A
Manuel Ugarte – N/A
