Manchester United's Defensive Mix-Up: Who's Really to Blame for the Plzen Goal?

In the wake of Manchester United's recent Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen, former midfielder Owen Hargreaves has shared his insights on the goal conceded, pinpointing Andre Onana as slightly more accountable than Matthijs de Ligt. However, Hargreaves noted that both players were likely adhering to tactical instructions provided by their new manager, Ruben Amorim.

The game started sluggishly for United, and the Czech side capitalized on this slow start. An errant pass from Onana to De Ligt was intercepted, leading to Matej Vydra—former striker for Derby County and Watford—slotting the ball home and putting United on the back foot. Luckily for the Reds, substitute Rasmus Hojlund made a significant impact by netting two goals, ensuring a 3-1 victory that bolstered their chances of automatic qualification for the round of 16 with two league phase matches left.

In the post-match discussions, United's captain Bruno Fernandes took a stand to defend his teammates Onana and De Ligt, highlighting the collective responsibility of the team rather than singling out individuals for errors. “As captain, he’s right to defend his teammates,” Hargreaves acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion following in-game mistakes.

Hargreaves pointed out, "When a new manager takes charge, players adapt to new tactical demands. De Ligt is playing in a different role than what he might have been used to under former coach Erik Ten Hag. This means there's an adjustment phase, and it’s natural for there to be some teething problems."

While there were defensive errors, the performance of players such as Hojlund showed full potential for United as they now are well-positioned to advance in Europe. It also serves as a crucial reminder of the growing pains that follow a managerial transition, especially when implementing new strategies during high-stakes matches.

With more games on the horizon, fans are eager to see how United will refine their tactics and if Onana and De Ligt will shore up their connections on the pitch to ensure fewer slip-ups in the future. Will this victory lead to a turning point in their season? Only time will tell as they chase glory on the European stage!