Viktoria Plzen boss reveals he told players to target Manchester United star with brutal message

Soccer Football - Europa League - Viktoria Plzen v Manchester United - Doosan Arena, Plzen, Czech Republic - December 12, 2024 Viktoria Plzen coach Miroslav Koubek before the match REUTERS/David W Cerny
Miroslav Koubek wanted his players to target Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana (Credits: REUTERS)

Viktoria Plzen boss Miroslav Koubek revealed he told his players to target struggling Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana during last night’s Europa League game.

United recorded a much-needed 2-1 win, which lifted them to seventh in the table, thanks to a brace from Rasmus Hojlund.

Ruben Amorim’s side were, however, forced to come from behind after another error from their No.1 gifted the hosts a 48th minute lead.

The Cameroon international joined the Red Devils 18 months ago from Ajax but he initially struggled to fill the void created by David de Gea’s departure.

Onana had begun to redeem himself this season following a series of commanding displays but familiar failings have crept back into his game in recent weeks.

The 28-year-old was criticised for failing to command his penalty area during the recent defeat against Arsenal when United’s defence was bombarded by the set-piece kings.

Two more errors followed against Nottingham Forest and a wayward pass was punished by Matej Vydra last night.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video

Up Next

FC Viktoria Plzen v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6
Rasmus Hojlund scored twice in the second half

‘Yes that was our tactic,’ said Koubek, confirming he told his players to target Onana.

‘I told them to shoot from every viable opportunity. Maybe I’m disappointed with the very last shot that could’ve resulted a bit better but the player decided to shoot and it is what is is.’

United players, meanwhile, need more time to perfect newly appointed manager Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, according to Hojlund whose matcwinning cameo off the bench eased the pressure on his new boss.

Manchester United FC v Nottingham Forest FC - Premier League
Andre Onana made another mistake that put his side in trouble

The Denmark forward, who previously said Amorim’s formation suited his playing style, has scored five goals in six Europa League appearances this season.

‘We still need more time. It’s still very early days,’ the 21-year-old told TNT Sports.

‘It”s about getting the routines together and I think it’s getting under the skin now, but obviously it still needs a lot of practice and a lot of time.

‘We don’t have a lot of sessions so we have to train it during the matches. I know it sounds a bit odd, but it’s how you learn the best.’

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *