Manchester United defeat Luton Town in the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag‘s side did manage to get all three points at Kenilworth Road, but they certainly made it hard work.
After cruising in the first ten minutes, United let Luton back into it – which nearly ended in disaster. Thankfully, they held on for the win.
Here are five things we learned during the Premier League fixture.
Rasmus Hojlund is the real deal
Two more goals for Rasmus Hojlund. This is becoming a regular occurrence now. After what was a shakey start at Old Trafford, the Manchester United wonderkid just can’t stop scoring.
With goals few and far between in the opening half of the season, United were crying out for a consistent goalscorer.
Well, they now have that in Hojlund, who will definitely be doing this for years to come.
2-0 is a weird scoreline for Manchester United
After what was arguably the best ten minutes of Manchester United’s season, Ten Hag’s side once again proved that after two goals, they always seem to crumble.
The Red Devils have time and time again this season gone two goals to the good, only to go off the boil and concede shortly after. This changed the trajectory of the game in Luton’s favour in that opening 45.
We wonder whether the lack of a leader plays a part here. Someone to settle the game down whilst United are in a dominant position. No one seems to take charge.
Casemiro a lucky boy
For a senior member of the first-team squad, Casemiro was reckless today and has to consider himself lucky he wasn’t at fault for letting his side down.
If the referee had decided to book him again, the game could’ve gone down a very different path. The bad thing is, this is a usual occurrence for the Brazilian veteran.
He should be setting the standard for Kobbie Mainoo, not the other way around.
Erik ten Hag’s sensibility paid off
The manager had his sensible head on against the Hatters. Taking Casemiro and Harry Maguire off at half-time was the right call.
The two were not their usual selves in the first half. Erratic, not composed and unreliable. Even without the yellows, the changes were potentially needed.
Jonny Evans and Scott McTominay came on and did the job asked of them. It’s good to know there are reliable squad players like that.
Erik ten Hag’s 2024 rejuvenation continues
Above all, United got the win and they continue their unbeaten streak in 2024. United now sit just two points away from Tottenham Hotspur in 5th, and five off the Champions League spots.
The manager and the squad deserve credit for how they’ve begun the year. The performances have been improving, and they’ve been grinding results.
Long may it continue. Onto the next one!
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