Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Marcus Rashford and Casemiro sum up Man Utd problem as Hojlund inspires Luton win
LUTON 1-2 MAN UTD: Manchester United clung on for an important victory at Kenilworth Road but the win did not come without its concerns.
Rasmus Hojlund's early brace helped Manchester United squeeze past an impressive Luton at Kenilworth Road. The Red Devils survived a late onslaught - including seeing Ross Barkley's header hit the crossbar - to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. Here are five things Express Sport took away from the game.
Hojlund’s fast start
Hojlund’s critics are quickly back-tracking. Having not scored in his first 14 Premier League appearances, the Danish striker has now bagged eight goals in his last seven matches.
The variation of Hojlund’s finishing is the most impressive aspect of his repertoire. Against West Ham, it was a powerful strike from outside the box with his weaker right foot. Against Aston Villa, it was a poacher’s prod from six yards.
Against Luton, the 21-year-old bore down on goal after Amari’i Bell’s woeful backpass, took a touch to the side of goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski and finished low into the net. To score his first Premier League brace seven minutes later, he directed Alejandro Garnacho’s volley into the net via his chest.
It would be unfair to suggest - especially based on his red-hot form - that Hojlund did not entirely intend to guide the ball home. The summer signing will be key to any success United experience with INEOS at the helm.
United’s lack of control
For most other Premier League teams, this game would have been wrapped up after seven minutes. It was incredulous that Luton were allowed back into the match having gone 2-0 down so early on.
Carlton Morris headed Luton back into the game as United’s performance drastically dropped off. Barkley hit the ball and Albert Sambi Lokonga went close. A better side might have completed a turnaround to undo all of the Red Devils’ good work in the first quarter of the game.
Rashford and Casemiro underwhelm
Chiefly responsible for an absence of control after going ahead were Marcus Rashford and Casemiro. Rashford wasted several attacks with poor choices of pass, and on one particular occasion frustrated Luke Shaw by overhitting a pass as the full-back overlapped.
Casemiro was fortunate not to be sent off before half-time, having lunged into Bell when he was already on a yellow card. The Brazilian midfielder did not make it out for the second half - somewhat telling of Ten Hag’s feelings on whether the veteran should have been dismissed.
When United’s most experienced players lose their composure, it cannot always be expected that their younger colleagues carry the mantle.
DON'T MISS...
Dan Ashworth 'wants Man Utd to raid Chelsea' in first move at new club
Man Utd's Sir Jim Ratcliffe has big Rashford decision to make in next few weeks
Arsenal favourites for Prem title if Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson is correct
Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news
Join us on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Shaw’s injury gives Ten Hag a problem
Ten Hag has struggled to keep Shaw fit this season. The England defender has had three separate injury issues this term and was substituted prior to half-time against Luton.
United have also missed Tyrell Malacia for much of the campaign. Victor Lindelof - a natural centre-half - has been forced to play at left-back in the second half against Luton and Villa.
Champions League within touching distance
Even being in with a chance of qualification for the Champions League seemed a surreal proposition for United in December. But they are now only five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, and three behind Tottenham in fifth.
Ten Hag was keen to downplay his side’s hopes of finishing in the top four. But the Dutchman cannot ignore the surprise window that has opened thanks to Spurs’ inconsistency.
Finishing fourth would be a major win for Ten Hag in his effort to convince the United hierarchy that he is the long-term solution to the club’s failure to keep up with Manchester City and Liverpool.