Manchester United are getting back into Europa League action this Thursday night and it is an important trip to Czechia that awaits the Red Devils. Here is everything you need to know ahead of this match.
Team News
Viktoria Plzen face several selection challenges ahead of their Europa League clash. Defender Svetozar Markovic remains sidelined after a hospital visit following an injury sustained in their recent victory over Karvina. Meanwhile, Prince Kwabena Adu has missed the last five matches due to visa complications. Veteran winger Jan Sykora is yet to feature this season due to injury, joining long-term absentees Christophe Kabongo and Rafiu Durosinmi in the treatment room. Additionally, Cory Sene is ineligible for this fixture, as he was not included in Plzen’s Europa League squad. On a positive note, in-form top scorer Pavel Sulc, who has netted four goals in his last four appearances, is expected to play in an advanced role behind Erik Jirka and former Burnley striker Matej Vydra.
For Manchester United, Luke Shaw remains unavailable with a muscle injury, while Jonny Evans will also miss out despite returning to training. Victor Lindelof, recovering from a groin issue, will face a late fitness test. Defensive options Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, and Tyrell Malacia are pushing for recalls, while midfielders Mason Mount, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen will hope to start. Up front, Rasmus Hojlund, with eight European goals for United, could start, though he faces competition from Joshua Zirkzee.
Form Guide
Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United began with promise, securing two wins and a draw in his opening three matches. However, consecutive Premier League defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have halted the early momentum. A 2-0 loss at the Emirates was followed by a 3-2 home defeat against Forest, leaving United languishing in 13th place with just 19 points from 15 matches—their worst tally at this stage since the 1986-87 season. Amorim has acknowledged the club’s ongoing struggles, emphasising the need for patience and long-term rebuilding to restore success. Before the looming Manchester derby on Sunday, United will aim to regain form in the Europa League, where they remain unbeaten after five matches (W2 D3). Their 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt last time out keeps them within one point of the automatic last-16 qualification spots.
Viktoria Plzen, meanwhile, are enjoying an impressive Europa League campaign. Following a quarter-final appearance in last season’s Conference League, Miroslav Koubek’s side remain unbeaten this term with two wins and three draws. Recent victories over Real Sociedad and Dynamo Kyiv have propelled them into contention for a knockout spot. Sulc, pivotal in Plzen’s success, recently scored twice in a comeback win over Karvina, taking his season tally to 10 goals.
Predicted Outcome
Despite Viktoria Plzen’s strong Europa League form, including unexpected victories, they enter this contest as underdogs against a Manchester United side seeking redemption. While United’s recent struggles may offer Plzen hope, Ruben Amorim’s men are expected to respond decisively. Even with potential rotation, the Red Devils are likely to secure a narrow victory. We predict Manchester United will get a 2-0 win.