Manchester United had Rasmus Hojlund to thank after the £72m striker came off the bench to spare their blushes on a difficult night away against Viktoria Plzen.
United produced their most unlucky 45 minutes of the season so far in the first half as they were easily contained by a confident Plzen.
Andre Onana made a big mistake to give the hosts the lead, but from there a decisive Ruben Amorim was able to flip the script with his substitutions.
Hojlund was one of those changes and it was his support that stopped the rot for United as they went into this weekend's Manchester derby on the back of a win.
Mason Mount and Antony, also sent off the bench, impressed on a night when many in a United shirt struggled.
Mail Sport's NATHAN SALT rules the stars of Amorim on a cold night in the Czech Republic.
MANCHESTER UNITED (3-4-3)
André Onana – 4
He came into the match with shaky confidence and looked nervous from the start before sweeping away Casemiro with a reckless rush on a set-piece. He then made a monumental mistake for the second game in a row, giving Plzen a goal.
Noussair Mazraoui-6.5
Such a consistent performer and even on a difficult night in the Amorim period so far, the Moroccan defender made a series of crucial interceptions just when it looked like Plzen could pick up some steam.
Matthjis de Ligt – 5.5
Consider himself unlucky that it was he who sought out Onana with a pass from the back that never arrived and Plzen punished it with the opening goal. Booked for dissent on a frustrating night for United.
Lisandro Martínez – 6
Saw a lot of ball and got stronger as the match went on as he completed 90 minutes. Went 4/9 with his accurate long passes and he is Amorim's best hope to get the ball forward from the back quickly.
Diogo Dalot-5
Doesn't look entirely comfortable in a full-back role. Went 1/2 on successful dribbles in 81 minutes of action and didn't produce a single accurate cross all night. Glaring lack of output on the right side.
Bruno Fernandes-7
The Manchester United captain wasted no time in getting an assist as he produced a brilliant pass to Hojlund… before heading home the winning goal with a clever free-kick. He comes up big in the biggest moments and that's why Amorim knows he can rely on him.
Casemiro – 6.5
He took a nasty blow from his goalkeeper early on, which left him writhing in pain, but he quickly shook it off. He was a reliable presence for Amorim in the middle of the park, moving the ball around with great accuracy as United grew into the match.
Tyrell Malacia-5
On the plus side, he made it through 61 minutes of action unscathed as he continues to improve his fitness after such a long break (nearly 18 months) due to injury. The negative is that he didn't make an accurate cross or through ball and only made two passes into the final third as a full-back. Must offer much more.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4.5
Made an exciting run in the first few minutes, but that was a distraction for what was to come. The hulking Dutchman gave the ball away 16 times in the first half – six more than any other United player – infuriating his manager on the touchline. Got 16 minutes of the second half and didn't improve until he was hooked.
Marcus Rashford-5
Not a single chance created or a single shot fired in just under an hour in Pilsen. Got the nod to start, but his impact on the game was non-existent at times. Booked.
Amad Diallo-7.5
Curiously, he finished the first half with the fewest touches (33) of any United outfield player, despite being their biggest and best threat. It was his direct and majestic running that put the ball on the plate for Rasmus Hojlund to tap in the equalizer.
MANAGER: Ruben Amorim-7
Deserves huge credit for being decisive with his substitutions, all of which had an impact in getting this underperforming United team over the line. He looked frantic for the first 45 minutes but got his reward for his adjustments.
SUBS
Rasmus Hojlund (for Marcus Rashford, 56) – 8
Mason Mount (for Joshua Zirkzee, 61) – 7
Antony (for Tyrell Malacia, 61) – 7
Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 81) – 6
Alejandro Garnacho (for Diogo Dalot, 81) – 5
**
Viktoria Plzen (3-4-3): Jedlicka 7; Dweh 6, Markovic 6, Jemelka 5.5; Cadu 6 (Havel 78), Cerv 7, Kalvach 6, Souaré 6.5; Vydra 7 (Sojka 86), Vasulin 5.5 (Adu 72), Sulc 6.5
Goals: Vydra (48)
Manager: Miroslav Koubeck 6
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