Manchester United 1-0 Luton City: Victor Lindelof fires house his first membership objective in nearly three years to safe a much-needed win for Erik ten Hag’s aspect as they rise as much as sixth

Victor Lindelof struck his first objective for nearly three years as a still-unconvincing Manchester United eased the stress on Erik ten Hag and moved to inside three factors of a Champions League spot.

After the Premier League’s smallest membership had stifled the most important for practically an hour, Rashford’s cross-shot prompted havoc and Lindelof drilled house from eight yards to interrupt a barren run that had lasted since December 2020.

Although three factors had been extraordinarily welcome for ten Hag following the midweek Champions League upset in opposition to Copenhagen, there have been nonetheless considerations about their efficiency.

Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho missed good possibilities whereas United had been additionally indebted to goalkeeper Andre Onana for an excellent cease to disclaim Carlton Morris at 0-0.

Luton had misplaced all 18 of their visits to Previous Trafford since 1897. The final time had been 1991 once they had been stuffed 5-0.

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Given United’s inconsistency this season, they nonetheless travelled in hope with England internationals Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend of their line-up. For the house aspect, Marcus Rashford made his 250th Premier League look, deployed primarily on the fitting to accommodate Garnacho.

United dominated possession however for a very long time could not make it depend.

Their greatest early probability got here after 10 minutes. Rashford’s cross flicked off Gabe Osho to Hojlund who could not alter his physique in time. The ball hit his thigh permitting Thomas Kaminski to make a reflex save and depart the Dane nonetheless on the lookout for his first league objective in England.

With the Stretford Finish chanting “We would like Glazers out”, Garnacho tried to elevate spirits with a mazy run that ended with a wayward shot. Up within the stands, Sir Alex Ferguson – attending his first match for the reason that dying of his spouse Girl Cathy final month – was accompanied by Sam Allardyce, who could not stifle a yawn on the lack of motion.

Previous Trafford was getting edgy. After half-hour, Fernandes’ nook was volleyed again into the hazard zone by Rashford and deflected off Osho.

Luton nearly had their huge second 9 minutes earlier than the interval. Fernandes bumped into hassle inside his personal half and Townsend whipped in a wonderful cross in direction of the penalty spot.

Morris discovered area between Lindelof and Maguire and his highly effective header was destined for the nook till Onana leaping to his left clawed the ball away.

Eriksen needed to limp off after 40 minutes to get replaced by Mount. Virtually instantly, Hojlund slipped a move to Garnacho who lower inside Kaminski however then hesitated and could not put away the prospect.

Hojlund did not ease the anxiousness when he mistimed a header from Fernandes’ free-kick early within the second interval.

And the eruption that adopted United’s breakthrough objective after 59 minutes was pure reduction relatively than the rest.

Mount fed Rashford and he fizzed a ball right into a packed six-yard field. It reached McTominay and a pack of Luton defenders. The ball fell again to Lindelof and McTominay did properly to leap out the best way because the Swede struck decisively.

Rashford, who had now switched to left, was foiled by Kaminski when put by with an opportunity to attain United’s second. McTominay’s header from Fernandes’ cross was tipped by the ‘keeper.

All of ten Hag’s league wins this season have been arduous work however at the very least the factors complete continues to tick alongside slowly.