Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United Preview

• Draw or United win
• Both teams to score

Matchday six of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) pits Viktoria Plzeň against Manchester United in a decisive battle for automatic qualification to the tournament’s last 16.

With both teams boasting identical unbeaten records (W2, D3), this encounter promises high stakes and intense action as two sides with contrasting trajectories vie for supremacy.

Viktoria Plzeň: Fortress at Home

Viktoria Plzeň come into this match brimming with confidence, thanks to a stellar run of form that has seen them suffer just one defeat in their last 16 matches across all competitions (W10, D5).

Their most recent UEL outing was a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Dynamo Kyiv, extending their unbeaten streak in this competition and solidifying their credentials as formidable challengers.

One of Plzeň’s key strengths lies in their impregnable home record. They remain unbeaten at the Doosan Arena this season (W10, D3), with seven of those victories accompanied by clean sheets.

Their UEL home form is equally impressive, with their last defeat on home turf in the competition dating back to October 2016 (W13, D1).

However, the visit of Manchester United poses a significant test. While Plzeň have an enviable record at home, their previous encounters with English opposition have been less favourable.

Notably, the Czech side lost both H2H matches against United’s city rivals, Manchester City, by an aggregate scoreline of 7-2. The question remains whether they can rise to the occasion and rewrite their history against Premier League opposition.

Manchester United: Searching for Stability Amidst Turmoil

Manchester United arrive in Plzeň under the shadow of a turbulent campaign. The Red Devils have endured a disastrous start to the 2024/25 season, marked by inconsistency on the pitch and chaos off it.

The recent sacking of Sporting Director Dan Ashworth, just five months into his tenure, underscores the ongoing instability at Old Trafford.

On the pitch, Ruben Amorim’s tenure as manager has yet to spark a turnaround. Back-to-back defeats, including a 3-2 Premier League loss to Nottingham Forest, have highlighted United’s defensive vulnerabilities. In both that match and their preceding 2-0 loss to Arsenal, United conceded from corners, exposing a critical area of weakness.

United’s away form has also been a cause for concern. They are winless on the road in their last seven matches (D5, L2), their joint-longest such streak in the 21st century.

Compounding matters is their poor record against Czech opposition, with three prior visits yielding two draws and one loss.

Despite their struggles, Manchester United have the firepower to trouble any side. However, for Amorim’s team to succeed, they must address their slow starts, which the manager has described as “really bad.”

Players to Watch

Matěj Vydra (Viktoria Plzeň): A familiar name to English football fans, Vydra spent a decade in Britain but has yet to score against Manchester United in five previous appearances. The Czech forward will be eager to break that duck and lead his team to a historic victory.

Rasmus Højlund (Manchester United): The Danish striker is already making his mark on the European stage, with eight major European goals for United. Only Wayne Rooney and Marcus Rashford have reached nine goals at the age of 21 or younger, putting Højlund in illustrious company.

Tactical Insights

Viktoria Plzeň will likely rely on their disciplined defensive structure and clinical counter-attacking to exploit United’s defensive frailties.

The home side’s impressive clean sheet record at the Doosan Arena suggests they are capable of frustrating the visitors while capitalising on set-pieces and transitional play.

Manchester United, by contrast, must find a way to overcome their slow starts and shaky defence. Amorim may look to Højlund and the creative talents of Bruno Fernandes to unlock Plzeň’s resolute backline.

Defensively, United will need to be particularly vigilant against set-piece threats, an area where they have struggled in recent matches.

Prediction

This is shaping up to be a closely contested affair. Viktoria Plzeň’s exceptional home record and Manchester United’s dismal away form suggest the Czech side has the edge. However, United’s superior individual quality, particularly in attack, cannot be discounted.

A draw seems the most likely outcome, with a 1-1 scoreline reflecting the balance of strengths and weaknesses on both sides. Nevertheless, a moment of brilliance from a player like Højlund or Fernandes could swing the result in United’s favour.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Viktoria Plzeň vs Man Utd | UEFA Europa League 2024/25