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
CLOSE! Garnacho injects a bit of pace into a United attack, weaving into the box before cutting in and firing, but the shot goes just over the crossbar. The hosts will need to do more of that if they are to break down this Luton low block.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Ten Hag's men have had 83.9 per cent of possession so far in this game. This is a risky tactic for Luton, and it does seem to be a matter of time before United fashion another clear-cut chance.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Rashford plays it down the line for Dalot, who whips a decent first-time cross into the middle for McTominay. The Scotland international nods goalwards, but his header loops over the crossbar and never troubles Kaminski.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Rashford is the 16th different player to reach 250 Premier League games for United, while at 26 years and 11 days old, he is the youngest to do so.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Twelve minutes gone at Old Trafford, and Hojlund's chance a moment ago is the closest either team has come to open the scoring. Luton are sitting back, yet to exhibit any attacking intent.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
WHAT A SAVE! Hojlund's wait for a Premier League goal goes on as Kaminski comes to the rescue for Luton. Rashford is played in down the right before lofting a cross into the box. Hojlund is five yards out from goal and it seems he cannot miss, but Kaminski somehow manages to keep the ball out with a quite incredible stop!
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Lindelof's long ball is nodded down into the path of Rashford, but the winger gets well underneath his shot and the ball is skied high over the crossbar. The winger is not in the best of form, but with this game marking his 250th in the Premier League, he will hope to celebrate with a goal to help his team to three important points.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
Fernandes whips a corner into the danger area, but Maguire is penalised for a foul on Nakamba and the visitors will have a free-kick. There is a brief VAR check for a potential handball, but no penalty is awarded and Luton survive.
Manchester United vs Luton Town
United are already dominating possession, with Luton content to dare their hosts to try and break them down. Ten Hag will be keen for his dangerous attacking players to get on the ball.
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