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
Substitution Christian Dannemann Eriksen Mason Tony Mount
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Eriksen looks a little shaken up, and Ten Hag may be forced into a change here. Amrabat and Mount would be among the candidates to come on in Eriksen's place.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
WHAT A STOP! Luton have shown precious little in attack, but they go mightily close to taking the lead through Morris. Kabore whipped a superb ball into the mix, and Morris' powerful header looked destined for the bottom corner, only for Onana to make an acrobatic fingertip save down to his left!
Manchester United vs Luton Town
For all of their territory and possession, United have managed just the one shot on target so far. Ten Hag will be frustrated by this performance to this point, though the feeling will change if his team can get their noses in front before half-time.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
A deep Fernandes corner makes it to Rashford at the back post, but the winger's first-time volley is blocked behind for a corner by Kabore.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Luton are winless in 11 meetings with United in all competitions (two draws, nine defeats) since a 2-1 home win in March 1987. This is their first game against them since a 3-0 home loss in the League Cup in September 2020.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Hojlund's 10th-minute chance was worth 0.68 xG (expected goals), a huge proportion of the 1.05 xG United have produced to this point. He just cannot seem to find the back of the net in the Premier League.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
This is the first league meeting between United and Luton since April 1992 (a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road), and the first at Old Trafford since a 5-0 Red Devils win in September 1991.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Fernandes arrows a delightful ball into the Luton penalty area, but it misses everybody. Rashford was waiting at the back post but did not seem to expect the ball to reach him, and it skims out harmlessly for a goal-kick.
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