Rasmus Hojlund found the net in his sixth consecutive Premier League match, helping Manchester United secure a win at Kenilworth Road against a determined Luton Town side, as they aim to remain in the running for a top-four spot.
Manchester United’s £72 million summer acquisition from Atalanta has surged into top form following initial struggles in front of goal, notching two goals within the opening seven minutes to propel Erik ten Hag’s team to their fourth consecutive league triumph.
The 21-year-old capitalized on an early mistake by Amari’i Bell just 37 seconds into the match, smoothly rounding goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski to find the net. He swiftly doubled his tally in the seventh minute, redirecting Alejandro Garnacho’s shot into the goal with instinctive precision.
Despite Luton Town’s spirited resistance in a charged atmosphere, highlighted by Carlton Morris quickly reducing the deficit with a headed goal, Manchester United found themselves challenged by the home side’s intensity, particularly in the first half.
United suffered a setback with the loss of defender Luke Shaw to injury before halftime, while Harry Maguire and Casemiro also exited the field at the break. Despite Luton’s determined efforts in the second half, it was the visitors who carved out the better scoring opportunities, with Kaminski thwarting Garnacho, Rashford, and a potential hat-trick from Hojlund.
However, there was a tense moment for the visitors in stoppage time when Ross Barkley’s headed effort narrowly grazed the top of the crossbar.
With this victory, Manchester United now trail fourth-placed Aston Villa by just five points in the league standings.
Man Utd young brigade make difference
United required leaders to guide them through a challenging encounter, particularly in the tumultuous first half, and it was from unexpected sources that they emerged to secure another crucial three points.
While seasoned campaigners like Casemiro, who narrowly avoided a second yellow card, Maguire, and Raphael Varane found themselves struggling and exposed by Luton’s relentless energy, it was match-winner Hojlund and the impressive 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo who stepped up to the plate.
Hojlund has truly come into his own in recent weeks, finally reaping the rewards for his perseverance, even during the lean periods earlier in the season. His first goal showcased composure, while his second demonstrated quick thinking as United took early control of the game.
The Danish forward exhibited commendable hold-up play and a willingness to battle with Luton’s defense, only being denied a hat-trick by Kaminski’s intervention before being substituted to a rousing ovation from the traveling United supporters.
Meanwhile, Mainoo showcased remarkable composure amidst the chaotic proceedings, a promising sign for such a young player. United undoubtedly have a burgeoning talent in their ranks.
The visitors displayed improvement after halftime, and despite Luton’s pressing, they posed the greater threat, with Rashford being denied by Kaminski and Albert Sambi Lokonga before Garnacho was thwarted by a combination of the goalkeeper and Bell.
Ultimately, Hojlund’s early brace proved sufficient as United extended their winning streak.
Hatters can still have hope
Once again, Luton endured defeat at home against one of the Premier League’s formidable sides, yet they once more pushed their illustrious visitors to their limits at Kenilworth Road.
Following in the footsteps of Manchester City and Arsenal, Manchester United clinched a narrow victory, while Liverpool was held to a draw, underscoring the formidable challenge presented by Luton’s tenacious approach in this hostile environment.
Conceding two goals in the opening seven minutes might have demoralized many teams, but buoyed by the fervent home support, Rob Edwards’ side responded admirably, swiftly getting back into contention after Morris’ goal.
Barkley, rejuvenated in midfield, orchestrated play with assurance, while Lokonga emerged as one of the standout performers of the match.
Although Luton’s vigor waned in the second half, they demonstrated enough resilience to suggest they can pose a serious threat in the relegation battle. The heartfelt standing ovation they received at the final whistle was well-deserved recognition of their efforts.
In a tense finale, Barkley came agonizingly close to salvaging a point with a header that struck the crossbar in the dying moments, but it was not to be for the valiant Luton side.