Rasmus Hojlund scored twice to help Manchester United secure a 2-1 win over six-time Czech champions Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League on Thursday.
Substitute Hoylund needed just six minutes on the pitch to cancel out an early second-half goal by Plzeň striker Matej Vydra before sealing the win with another goal before the end of normal time as United achieved their third successive win in the competition.
United, which maintained its unbeaten record after six matches, temporarily advanced to fifth place with 12 points as it continues its quest to directly qualify for the round of sixteen.
After two Premier League defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, United survived the initial period of pressure from the hosts, who have conceded just once in their last 12 European home matches.
Plzeň held their defense together against the determined visitors in Ruben Amorim’s first away European match as United manager, with the game scoreless at half-time.
Vydra put the hosts ahead just after the restart, shooting into the middle of the net after Pavel Sulk intercepted a poor pass from United goalkeeper Andre Onana and played the ball back to his teammate.
But the team’s joy did not last long, as Danish striker Hoylund – who replaced Marcus Rashford in the 56th minute – equalized after an hour of play after scoring from close range.
Amad Diallo collected a pass from Anthony on the right flank and shot from a tight angle, an effort that was blocked before Hoglund sent the rebound into an empty net.
Neither team wanted to settle for a draw, and Hoglund added the second goal in the 88th minute after a low free kick from captain Bruno Fernandes, handing Plzen its first defeat in the competition.
United, who visit Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, host Rangers on January 23 before hosting Steaua Bucharest in the final round of the league a week later.