Man Utd player ratings v Luton: One 9/10, two 8/10s, but 3s & 4s given in crazy game - gallery

Manchester United once again closed the gap to the Champions League places on Sunday, with a 2-1 victory against Luton Town extending their winning run in the Premier League to four games.

But it was far from a comfortable three points in a baffling game at Kenilworth Road that saw United take an early two-goal lead but they can count themselves a tad fortunate to emerge with all three points.

Rasmus Hojlund continued his recent impressive scoring run with a first-half brace, and while the Red Devils had plenty of opportunities to extend that, Erik ten Hag's side also underwhelmed for long periods.

The start was electric, with all three goals coming in the opening 14 minutes. Hojlund took just 36 seconds to hand United the advantage when he capitalised on Amari'i Bell’s sliced clearance, which gifted the in-form Dane a one-on-one chance. Hojlund coolly knocked it to the side of Thomas Kaminski and then into the goal.

With that, the 21-year-old became the youngest player to ever net in six consecutive Premier League games, and six minutes later he doubled the advantage when he steered Alejandro Garnacho’s volley in off his chest. Whether via accident or design, the quick ricochet gave Kaminski no hope and an irresistible United were two up.

It looked inevitable that tally would increase with United playing some slick, free-flowing football, as Marcus Rashford twice went close and Alejandro Garnacho’s effort was denied.

But that pulsating start didn’t last and Carlton Morris’ 14th minute goal turned the game on its head. The striker headed in after Tahith Chong’s strike deflected off Harry Maguire and into his path, with the Luton forward beat Andre Onana to the ball as the keeper was left flapping, not for the first time  this season.

The hosts’ set-up had looked naive in the early exchanges, yet suddenly, buoyed by their goal, Luton were in total control as United struggled to deal with their energetic approach. In contrast United withered under the pressure as individual errors crept into the performance and three players picked up bookings: Maguire, Luke Shaw and Casemiro. The latter could, on another day, have seen red when he caught Ross Barkley after receiving a yellow.

Despite United’s impressive start, they were lucky to make it to half-time still in the lead, with Cauley Woodrow seeing a shot blocked by Raphael Varane, Gabriel Osho heading over, Morris firing wide from distance and Alfie Doughty dragging a shot off target in injury-time.

Ten Hag sensed the danger at the break, with the three booked players failing to make it back out for the second period as United looked to wrestle back control. The changes had the desired effect and, while Luton still offered a concerning offensive danger, United created the better openings after the interval.

Kaminski had to be on hand to keep out Rashford’s powerful drive, a Garnacho effort, Fernandes’ free- kick and Hojlund’s shot from point-blank range. Even when United managed to get beyond the keeper, Fernandes and Garnacho saw attempts blocked by recovering runs from Luton defenders.

But Luton didn't roll over easily, and Chiedozie Ogbene twice went close from distance, while Sambi Lokonga fired over from distance as the game moved into the latter stages. In a rollercoaster afternoon, United closed out the match well and managed to limit the opposition chances.

There was a huge slice of luck in injury-time as Barkley's header hit the top of the crossbar and skimmed over, as United held on to record a vital win. Here's how we rated the players...