Luton Town Vs Man United Match Report: Hoijlund’s streak continues as United edge past Luton

Luton Vs Man United Review

A quick start by Manchester United with goals in the first and seventh minute by in-form Rasmus Hojlund kept the away crowd buzzing from the kick-off. This seven-minute brace at Kenilworth Road meant Hojlund became the youngest player in the Premier League to score in six straight games after a 14-game goalless run from his debut.

Little did we know, this would be Manchester United’s biggest threat throughout the game, as Morris pulled one back for the Danes. This win would fuel Erik ten Hag’s team to a top-four contention, leaving them just three points behind Spurs. A fourth consecutive victory for United as they kept hanging on to an important 3 points in a nervous and thrilling second half for the away side.

While a season that began gutted has suddenly turned over a new leaf as a top-four finish looks like a realistic target, with Aston Villa in front with five points, holding onto the final Champions League spot.

“We need to build pressure. Every game is a final to get closer to them,” said Ten Hag. He also added, “I think we are back in the race and we are building momentum.”

The Danish striker is the main reason for the shift in gears in United’s season, as he has turned himself into a reliable force in front of goal, more often than expected in the recent matches.

Also Read: Marcus Rashford’s ‘Pressing’ Comes Under Scrutiny as Manchester United Edge Past Luton Town

Luton shared a hand in the opener for Hoijlund, which came in just 37 seconds for United’s quickest away goal in the Premier League. A poor pass by defender Amari’i Bell was intercepted by Hojlund, which was enough to open up the defense and run through to get past goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski before tapping the ball into the empty net.

Luck came from Alejandro Garnacho’s shot after the ball struck Hojlund’s chest before finding its way into the net. All seemed good for United until then, as they paved their way for another victory, but a two-goal cushion was not enough to resist Luton’s fightback.

It was all about the hosts after that as they managed to pull one through the skipper in the 14th but squandered multiple chances to grab the equalizer despite being backed by 11,000 fans in the smallest Premier League stadium.

In the second half, United were not so prolific in front of goal either as their counterattacks did not seek any benefits in their effort to increase the lead. Luton’s Ross Barkley struck the crossbar in the final chance of the game, which was the last chance to square the game in injury time.

“We had some really massive chances (second half) and we should have scored,” said Ten Hag. “How we started the game was exactly how we wanted to do it. The only thing we didn’t do well was to be clinical and score more goals.”

Luton Vs Man United analysis

21-year old Hojlund makes Premier League history

Since breaking his duck against Aston Villa, there is no turning back for Hoijlund. Just 37 seconds at Kenilworth Road was enough for a sixth consecutive goal in his Premier League outing, making him the youngest player ahead of Joe Willock and Erling Haaland. The middle section of the game has always been a shaky phase for United, with veteran Evans filling the gaps in the second half.

On the brighter side, Hojlund has something special with an attacking lineup around him. Garnacho was a menace all afternoon, with Rashford showing shades of his old self. Everything seemed formidable when Bruno Fernandes is behind the trio pulling the strings.

Will Luton be relegated from the Premier League?

A pivotal result in Luton’s fight for survival wouldn’t be just a fixture, but an appeal for Everton, whose 10-point penalty could topple the table for the newcomers, sending them to the bottom three. Peeking in the 17th position outside the danger zone is not a delight for long.

United’s attack could have swallowed Luton’s defence, but a first-half header from Morris kept the water at bay for the hosts. Managing a massive 22 shots apiece with their opponents in the second half is surely a positive takeaway from the game. Looking at fellow promotion sides Burnley and Sheffield United, it’s hard not to admire Edwards’ admiration for this exciting team.

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