Manchester United made it four wins from their last five Premier League games with a 1-0 victory over Luton Town at Old Trafford… even if they made very difficult work of beating the newly promoted side.
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The victory moves Manchester United (21 points) up to 6th in the PL table for the time being, as Erik ten Hag’s side continues to grind out points when the performances and quality are still lacking. Again on Saturday, it was their wastefulness in front of goal which nearly spelled more dropped points.
The scoreline means that Manchester United are still yet to win a PL game by multiple goals this season, with their seven victories (to five defeats — without a single draw, in any competition) all coming by a single-goal margin thus far.
Rasmus Hojlund was the most frustrated of the Red Devils once again, most notably when his point-blank effort was saved by Thomas Kaminski from three yards in the 10th minute. The 20-year-old striker’s wait for a first Premier League goal continued — now 651 minutes in nine appearances.
At long last, the breakthrough came in the 59th minute. Bruno Fernandes’ corner kick was initially cleared out of the penalty area, but only as far as Mason Mount. He played a quick through ball to put Marcus Rashford behind his defender with plenty of time to pick his cross. Again, the initial ball was dealt with, but only as far as Victor Lindelof, standing on the penalty spot. Lindelof smashed his right foot through the ball, and Old Trafford erupted in equal parts euphoria and relief.
Rasmus Hojlund getting great chances, but finishing touch (or luck) eludes him
In total, Hojlund took three shots agains Luton — all from inside the six-yard box — totaling 1.08 xG, but came away without a goal yet again. On the season, Hojlund has attempted 14 shots and put five on target, including just two out of five attempts from inside the six. Total xG on his 14 shots: 2.43. With nearly 0.2 xG per attempt, the goal gods won’t be able to keep a good striker down for long.
In defense of Holjlund, he already has five goals in four UEFA Champions League appearances this season.
What’s next?
Following the upcoming international break, Man United will return to Premier League play on Nov. 26, when they travel westward to take on Everton at Goodison Park. Luton will welcome Crystal Palace to Kenilworth Road a day earlier, on the Saturday.
Player ratings - Manchester United vs Luton Town
Manchester United vs Luton Town, final score: 1-0
Goalscorers: Victor Lindelof (59')
59th minute - GOAL - Victor Lindelof hammers home the game’s only goal
How to watch Manchester United vs Luton Town live, stream link and start time:
Kick off: 10am ET, Saturday (November 11)
TV Channel: USA Network
Online: Stream via NBCSports.com
Manchester United starting lineup
Onana — Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Reguilon — McTominay, Eriksen — Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho — Hojlund
Luton Town starting lineup
Kaminski — Mengi, Lockyer, Osho — Kabore, Nakamba, Barkley, Doughty — Townsend, Morris, Ogbene
Focus on Manchester United, team news
OUT: Casemiro (ankle), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Tyrell Malacia (undisclosed), Jadon Sancho (disciplinary), Amad Diallo (knee), Luke Shaw (undisclosed), Jonny Evans (undisclosed)
Focus on Luton Town, team news
OUT: Reece Burke (thigh), Dan Potts (ankle), Mads Andersen (hamstring), Albert Sambi Lokonga (thigh), Cauley Woodrow (calf), Luke Berry (calf) | QUESTIONABLE: Amari’i Bell (hamstring)