Manchester United beat Luton to ease pressure on ten Hag

• Manchester United beat Luton Town 1-0 on Saturday evening to record back-to-back wins in the Premier League
• The crucial win at Old Trafford has eased pressure on manager Erik ten Hag, as it means United head into the international break on a positive note

Manchester United beat Luton Town 1-0 on Saturday evening to record back-to-back wins in the Premier League. It was a much-needed victory, especially after the defeat to Copenhagen in midweek.

Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho were all guilty of missing big chances as Victor Lindelof played the hero. The Swedish defender scored the only goal of the match in the second half that proved enough to reward United’s dominance of the match.

Victor Lindelof scored the only goal of the match. Photo/ Sky Sports.

The crucial win at Old Trafford has eased pressure on manager Erik ten Hag, as it means United head into the international break on a positive note. This is the first time this season that Manchester United have a second successive clean sheet.

United’s profligate attack continues to be a cause for concern this season, especially with Marcus Rashford being out of form. Nevertheless, the fans have a reason to be happy as the Red Devils have made it four Premier League wins out of five games.

Erik ten Hag has won 30 of his 50 Premier League games at Man Utd (D6 L12), which is more than any other manager at the club after 50 Premier League games. Speaking after his side’s victory over Luton, the Dutch manager felt his side should have been more ruthless but backed his attackers to rediscover their scoring form after the international break.

“We had to score earlier and also then the second. In two halves we created seven or eight chances but we only scored one goal. Until the end you have to fight and battle and not concede a goal. A team can always make from one moment one goal – it wouldn’t have been deserved by Luton. They worked hard but we controlled and dictated the game… As long as we create the chances it will come. I am confident about that.” Erik ten Hag told Sky Sports.

How Manchester United Beat Luton Town

Manchester United faced Luton Town on Saturday hoping to return to winning ways following their calamitous 4-3 defeat to Copenhagen in the Champions League.

United boss ten Hag preferred Victor Lindelof ahead of Raphael Varane at centre-back, as the France international was left out of the starting line-up for a fifth straight game. On the other hand, Luton were unchanged from the 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Kenilworth Road last weekend.

Manchester United got off to a fast, dominant start, having 85% possession in the first 15 minutes. Erik ten Hag’s side created several chances but were not clinical enough in front of goal. Rasmus Hojlund had the best chance to open the scoring when Marcus Rashford’s cross landed on his path just a few yards in front of goal.

But the 20-year-old, who is still searching for his first Premier League goal, was denied by a superb save from Thomas Kaminski. Scott McTominay and Garnacho also had their chances but were not clinical enough to find the back of the net.

Manchester United beat Luton Town 1-0. Photo/ The Busby Babe.

Luton grew into the game and Andre Onana was forced to make a few excellent saves to deny the visitors from taking the lead.

Manchester United’s wait for a goal came to an end in the 59th minute when Victor Lindelof scored after Luton failed to properly clear a corner. In the end, it was just that one goal that the hosts needed to secure all three points ahead of the international break.