The beginning of a rasping victory for Højlund for Manchester United was enough to secure their fifth consecutive win in all competitions, but Luton Town thoroughly outplayed United in their first league journey to Kenilworth Road in 32 years.
In Short
Højlund’s Fiery Start
Højlund capitalized on a defensive error to open the scoring just 37 seconds into the game and then added another goal to leave Manchester United chasing shadows. However, Carlton Morris’ header brought Hatters level straight in a direct confrontation, and the hosts ended the first half in an impressive manner.
United could have scored a crucial third goal after the break and perhaps should have, but in the end, they had to wait a little longer as Luton surrounded United’s goal, striking through Ross Barkley in the dying moments.
⚽️🏴 Rasmus Hojlund Star 💫 of the Match
— Recap Football (@recap_football_) February 19, 2024
Luton Town vs Manchester United !!pic.twitter.com/3AIdfui6bF
However, Manchester United tasted victory in the consecutive fourth league match, as their quest for Champions League football gains momentum.
Luton Responds to Rapid Reds’ Start
After the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on August 19, for the first time, Erik ten Hag was able to field an unchanged side, with Luke Shaw fit again after his injury at Villa. Prior to kick-off, the Dutchman stressed the importance of establishing a routine and wasted no time striking against the in-form Reds.
An error from Hatters’ defender Amari Bell gifted Hojlund a clear chance to score, which the 21-year-old player didn’t miss, breaking Willock’s record for the fewest age in registering six straight games in the Premier League.
Manchester United dominated the hosts thoroughly, with Thomas Kaminski deflecting Rashford’s shot from afar, but Reds didn’t have to wait even a second longer.
Second Goal for Manchester United
And it was the same man again when Hojlund carelessly turned Alejandro Garnacho’s sider from the corner of the net, putting United ahead 2-0 in just seven minutes – the fastest lead Manchester United have achieved in the Premier League so far.
But as it seemed like a comfortable afternoon in Bedfordshire, Morris halved the deficit and inspired the crowd at Kenilworth Road, pushing former United winger Tahith Chong to advance with a deflected shot, putting it past Andreas Pereira.
After half an hour, a mix-up at the back presented an opportunity for Cole Willard – for Eljif Elmas, who was injured in the warm-up – but Raphael Varane made a good block, and Gabriel Osho’s header from the resulting corner was high, wide, and handsome.
The home side continued to surge forward in play as Morris and then Alfie Doughty struck wide shots, and Shaw had to be replaced again due to an unfortunate injury, prompting referee David Coote to signal half-time for our attempt to reset and welcome a suitable time for recovery.
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Missed Opportunities for United
In the early 45 minutes, Casemiro and Harry Maguire were withdrawn with Shaw during the break as ten Hag sought to reestablish United’s grip on the game, bringing Johnny Evans and last week’s hero Scott McTominay off the bench.
McTominay couldn’t capitalize on his first real involvement, failing to divert Bruno Fernandes’ attempt into the goal, after Diogo Dalot had disallowed Kamin’s attempt, who had perhaps inadvertently caught Portugal’s international player off guard in response to Onana’s pinpoint pass.
Belgian keeper stopped Rashford from restoring Manchester United’s two-goal advantage, as United’s number 10 struck from the left, narrowly missing the far post.
Kaminski thanked Albert Sambi Lokonga for keeping Fernandes at bay, as Manchester United captain closed down the keeper and appeared ready to bury the ball into the empty net. Somehow, the Arsenal loanee stretched his leg and blocked in time, before Garnacho was the latest Red to be denied, stopped in the clean through first by Kaminski’s hands and then by Bell’s feet.
Chances continued to be created, as Fernandes tested Kaminski from a free-kick and a frustrated Garnacho stopped a chance destined for the top corner, which only skimmed over.
As Manchester United pushed forward in the final 15 minutes of fast-paced play, Hatters’ direct style of play still posed questions, with Doughty regularly delivering dangerous crosses from the left and Evans standing tall alongside them.
Following Morris’ flick-on, Varane and Fernandes contributed to thwarting Osho’s attempt, and in less a minute, a commanding Kaminski put an end to Hojlund’s dreams of a hat-trick.
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For the closing stages, Den’s place was taken by Sofian Amrabat, as ten Hag tried to shut up shop, and Fernandes could have wrapped up the proceedings if he had been a few inches taller on his right side with his fans.
However, there was still a four-minute stoppage time to play for, and when Barkley connected from a corner, everyone held their breath – thankfully, the former Evertonian’s header struck the woodwork and went over.
A few moments later, the final whistle blew, and Manchester United’s momentum continues as united sit three points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fifth place.
Match Details
United: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire (Evans 46), Shaw (Lindelof 45+2); Matic, Casemiro (McTominay 46); Garnacho, Fernandes (c), Rashford; Hojlund (Amrabat 86).
Subs not used: Beindire, Eriksen, Amad, Anthony, Forss.
Booked: Shaw, Casemiro, Maguire, Matic, Lindelof
Scorer: Hojlund 1, 7
Luton: Kaminski; Mengi, Osho, Bell; Ogbene, Sambi Lokonga, Barkley, Doughty (Berry 81); Chong (Townsend 68), Morris; Woodrow (Clarke 68).
Subs not used: Krul, Potts, Berry, Kebano, Bree, Mpanzu, Nelson.
Booked: Woodrow, Townsend, Osho
Scorer: Morris 14″
