We have to deal with Luton atmosphere, won’t understimate it – Ten Hag
Rasmus Hojlund’s early double earned Manchester United their fourth win Premier League in a row but a resilient Luton Town made it an awkward afternoon for Erik ten Hag’s team at Kenilworth Road.
With Harry Styles watching on, Hojlund continued his fine form with two goals inside the first seven minutes, including a composed finish after just 35 seconds to give United the lead.
But Luton responded when Carlton Morris committed to a brave header to pull one back, and United were unable to kill off the hosts in the second half, with Alejandro Garnacho wasting the best of the opportunities.
It meant United had to hang on to see out the win, with Ross Barkley hitting the bar in stoppage time, but the victory closes the gap on the Premier League’s top four as Ten Hag’s side managed to build on their resurgent form.
Follow live updates from Luton vs Manchester United in today’s live blog and get all the latest odds and tips on the match here.
Record fast start for United
Rasmus Hojlund scored Manchester United’s earliest-ever Premier League away goal (37 seconds), as well as giving them their fastest-ever 2-0 lead in an away Premier League game with his seventh-minute striker.
Let’s hear from the United goalscorer now.
Ben Fleming18 February 2024 18:40
FULL-TIME: Luton 1-2 Manchester United
United close the gap to Tottenham in fifth with that win. Ten Hag’s side trail Spurs by just three points now and are only five off Aston Villa in fourth.
Luton, meanwhile, stay out of the relegation zone for now but could drop back in if Everton win tomorrow night against Crystal Palace.
Ben Fleming18 February 2024 18:35
FULL-TIME: Luton 1-2 Manchester United
Four on the trot for United.
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Ben Fleming18 February 2024 18:32
FULL-TIME: Luton 1-2 Manchester United
United cling on for a vital three points!
Erik ten Hag’s side really had to dig in at points in that game but it’s the quickfire early double from Hojlund that has made the difference.
Luton fans are in fine voice after the full-time whistle – they know their team but in a great shift and were oh so close to rescuing a point late on with that Barkley header.
Ben Fleming18 February 2024 18:26
Luton 1-2 Manchester United
90+4 mins: OFF THE BAR! The delivery from the corner is finally on the money from Berry and Barkley goes agonisingly close to a late equaliser as his header flicks off the bar.
Ben Fleming18 February 2024 18:26
Luton 1-2 Manchester United
90+2 mins: Another late corner for Luton but the quality of delivery lets them down again. United break up the other end but Garnacho’s low ball – looking for McTominay is cleared behind.
Ben Fleming18 February 2024 18:23
Luton 1-2 Manchester United
90 mins: Another late corner for Luton is cleared away well by United as we head into four minutes of added time.
Ben Fleming18 February 2024 18:21
Luton 1-2 Manchester United
88 mins: CHANCE! A let-off for Kaminski, who has been impressive in this second half, as he gifts the ball to Fernandes. The Portuguese international steers his effort just wide, though.
Ben Fleming18 February 2024 18:20
Luton 1-2 Manchester United
86 mins: Ogbene off balance as he fires one over from the left side of the box. United turn to their bench again as Amrabat comes on for Hojlund.
Ben Fleming18 February 2024 18:16
Luton 1-2 Manchester United
84 mins: Townsend’s strike is deflected behind for another Luton corner. Berry sends in the cross but Evans nods it clear.
Ben Fleming18 February 2024 18:15
