Man United v Luton LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as United hang on for unconvincing win
Man Utd 1-0 Luton: Victor Lindelof’s second-half goal was just about enough to keep the wolves from the door for Erik ten Hag
Defender Victor Lindelof scored in the second half as struggling Manchester United breathed a collective sigh of relief with a scrappy 1-0 victory over Luton Town in the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag’s team, who have won two successive league games after stumbling to their worst start since 1962, provisionally climbed two spots in the standings into sixth place on 21 points after 12 games. Luton, who have just one league victory in their debut season in the top flight, meanwhile are 17th.
United created numerous chances as they dominated the game before Lindelof finally broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, the Swede smashing home from 16 yards after the Hatters failed to clear Marcus Rashford’s cross.
The victory was a welcome reprieve for United, who have lost nine of their last 18 games in all competitions, have been eliminated from the League Cup and are struggling in the Champions League after a 4-3 loss at Copenhagen on Wednesday.
Relive the action from Old Trafford below:
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Doughty has not been able to utilise his usually excellent crossing ability in this match, and now limps off for Clark.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
CHANCE! A huge opportunity to potentially put this game to bed goes begging for the hosts. Antony makes an instant impact by playing a lovely throughball into the path of Rashford. The England international is a man struggling for confidence, and that is shown in his eventual strike, straight down the throat of Kaminski, who makes the save.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Substitution Alejandro Garnacho Ferreyra Antony Matheus dos Santos
Manchester United vs Luton Town
This is Ten Hag’s 50th Premier League game in charge of United. He is the 17th manager to reach 50 top-flight games with the Red Devils, while a victory would see him become the only one to win as many as 30 of his first 50 with the club. Lindelof's strike has put him on course to achieve that impressive feat.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Lindelof's goal was just his fourth in the Premier League, having made his debut in the competition in the 2017-18 campaign. He is an unlikely hero for United, but there is plenty of time for Luton to find a leveller.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Substitution Andros Darryl Townsend Tahith Jose Girigorio Djorkaef Chong
Manchester United vs Luton Town
All three of Fernandes’ Premier League goals for Manchester United this season have been the winning goal of the game – indeed, no player has scored more winners than the Portuguese this term. Can he come up big for his side again here?
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Despite only having six shots to United's nine, the Hatters have actually managed more attempts on target than their hosts, creating three to the Red Devils' one.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Barkley needlessly gives the ball away and Fernandes' eyes light up as he spots Garnacho streaking away down the left. However, the chance for a counter is wasted as Fernandes' pass is well overhit, skipping out for a throw-in. Barkley will be relieved.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments