Manchester United earned a fourth Premier League win in the last five games, as they beat Luton Town 1-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Yet, it was far from a vintage display from Erik ten Hag’s side, who dominated possession but failed to create many chances of real quality. Even the decisive goal was a scrappy affair, as Victor Lindelof netted from around 12 yards after some sloppy Luton defending.
In the first half, the majority of United’s scoring opportunities came via crosses into the opposition box. Rasmus Hojlund failed to connect properly with a Marcus Rashford and, from a few yards, out the ball pinged off his knee and was saved by Thomas Kaminski.
Scott McTominay also flashed a header over the bar from a narrow, while Alejandro Garnacho carried his own threat down the left. The winger fired over after cutting inside early on, and was prevented from having a shot on goal by a late recovered run of Issa Kabore, following a quick United break away.
It was a first half that once again underwhelmed the home supporters, and when Hojlund squandered another good header chance early in the second half, the away fans may have begun wondering if they could take points off a Premier League giant for the second week in a row.
But Lindelof’s goal killed off any real hopes, as he swept the ball past Kaminski, after Alfie Doughty failed to clear Rashford’s cross further than the edge of his own box.
United’s no.10 had the opportunity to double the lead on 70 minutes, but placed his shot right down the throat of Kaminski, while the Luton stopper also tipped McTominay’s header wide in the closing stages.
At the other end, Andre Onana had precious little to deal with, other than a first-half header from Carlton Morris that was saved. He did comfortably hold a Teden Mengi shot in injury-time, the only chance the visitors could muster at Old Trafford.
Here's how we rated the United players...
1. Andre Onana- 6
Made a good save to deny Morris' header, although one misplaced kick in the first half particularly frustrated Ten Hag on the sidelines.
2. Diogo Dalot- 6
Was solid at right-back without particularly impressing. The full-back got forward and bypassed Rashford on a few occasions, to give United another attacking option.
3. Harry Maguire- 7
Seemed to spend most of the game moaning at the referee, but put in a solid display at the back.
4. Victor Lindelof- 7
Selected above Raphael Varane at the heart of defence and grabbed the only goal of the game. The defender dealt well with what little Luton offered in attack and put in two superb tackles in the second half to prevent opposition counter attacks.