Manchester United came from a goal down to beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in the Europa League.
Ruben Amorim has never lost three games in a row as manager but he looked headed for a third successive defeat on Thursday evening when Manchester United went a goal down to Plzen.
However, the Manchester United head coach inspired his side to a comeback with Rasmus Hojlund coming off the bench to score twice.
Amorim continued his controversial rotation policy with five changes made to the starting lineup that lost 3-2 to Nottingham Forest on the weekend.
Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford returned to the starting lineup, but United only got going in the final third once Hojlund was introduced from the bench.
Rasmus Hojlund stars for Man United vs Plzen
Hojlund boasts an incredible scoring record in Europe for United and he extended it with a superb brace against Plzen.
By scoring on Thursday, Hojlund matched Wayne Rooney and Rashford’s record by becoming only the third United player to score eight goals in European competitions aged 21 and under.
United fans slammed Rashford’s performance and Hojlund came off the bench to replace him in the 55th minute. It did not take him long to make an impact.
Hojlund scored seven minutes after coming on and sealed the win with his second in the 88th minute.
Rasmus Hojlund settles striker debate vs Joshua Zirkzee
After Zirkzee arrived as United’s first summer signing, fans were torn over who would be United’s first-choice striker.
Amorim has now had one month to assess his squad at United, and Hojlund settled the debate with his deadly display against Plzen.
In just 34 minutes, Hojlund took 21 touches of the ball, completed one key pass and created one big chance. Despite the short cameo, he amassed 1.37 expected goals.
When compared to Zirkzee’s match stats, it is clear that Amorim only has one option when it comes to picking a striker for this Sunday’s blockbuster derby against Manchester City.
Match stats vs Viktoria Plzen | Rasmus Hojlund | Joshua Zirkzee |
Minutes played | 34 | 61 |
Touches | 21 | 50 |
Passes completed | 71% (5/7) | 67% (22/33) |
Shots | 4 | 1 |
Big chances created | 1 | 0 |
Expected goals (xG) | 1.37 | 0.04 |
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