In a match that had Sir Alex Ferguson's companion Sam Allardyce stifling yawns, Manchester United struggled against a resilient Luton side at Old Trafford. Swedish defender Victor Lindelof emerged as an unlikely hero, securing a 1-0 victory with his first goal in almost three years, though the win was far from convincing.
The breakthrough came in the 59th minute when Lindelof found the net, greeted more with relief than celebration. Despite Luton's historical struggles at Old Trafford, they posed a notable challenge, and United's possession dominance didn't translate into a comfortable victory.
Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho missed crucial chances, and Luton's Carlton Morris was denied by a remarkable save from United's goalkeeper, Andre Onana, at 0-0. The final whistle brought relief to United, now within three points of a top-four spot.
Manager Erik ten Hag, in his first season, faced criticism for not pushing enough players forward against Luton's low block. The frustration boiled over as he earned his third booking of the season for disputing with officials during the finale. The injuries to Hojlund and Christian Eriksen added to United's woes, with key players already sidelined.
The match highlighted the need for early goals to settle nerves, but Hojlund's missed opportunities kept the tension high. Lindelof's rare goal salvaged the situation, securing the points for United.
Despite the challenges, ten Hag remained optimistic, acknowledging the team's persistence and organisation. The victory may not have been seamless, but United's points tally continues to climb. As ten Hag faces an automatic ban for dissent in the next game, he hopes for a healthier squad after the international break, emphasising the significance of every player in their season.
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