United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United survive with a 2-1 win in a tough away match against Luton Town that was full of chances created, missed opportunities, and yellow cards.

First Half Analysis

Manchester United got off to a flying start and led within the first minute, as Amari’i Bell made a poor back pass after a Casemiro clearance. Rasmus Hojlund ran onto the pass, rounded the keeper, and passed it into the back of the net.

United were dominant from the start and had a second goal via a deflected finish by Rasmus Hojlund. A volley from Garnacho that was going wide struck Hojlund who used his chest to direct the ball on frame for his second goal in six minutes.

Luton Town hit back in the 14th minute through a header from Carlton Morris after Tahith Chong’s shot deflected into his path.

After the goal, the game continued at a frenetic pace, with chances coming from both sides. Casemiro luckily evaded a second yellow card after a late tackle that probably should have been punished.

Luton created better opportunities down the stretch, and Alfie Doughty narrowly missed wide right before the half.

Luke Shaw had to be withdrawn before half, as the injury that marred his previous appearance returned. Thanks to Hojlund’s two goals, United still had a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Second Half Analysis

Ten Hag started the second half with two new faces, Scott McTominay and Jonny Evans, who came on for Casemiro and Harry Maguire.

The biggest chance in the early part of the second half came in the 60th minute. United broke quickly and Bruno Fernandes got in behind and around the keeper, but Albert Sambi Lokonga put in a brilliant challenge to block Fernandes’s shot.

United got in behind the Luton back line again with a long ball from Rashford to Garnacho who made a mess of the finish when he went around Kaminsky and failed to get a shot away.

Another spurned chance came when Kaminsky tried to play a ball across his box and gave it away to Fernandes. Bruno took the ball into the box and struck it wide of the far post.

Luton Town had one more chance to level in the final minute of stoppage time, but Ross Barkley’s header flicked off the top of the crossbar and out for a goal kick. United held on for a 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road.

Player of the Match

Rasmus Hojlund. Seven goals in six games for Hojlund has helped United to a six-game unbeaten run, including four consecutive wins. Hojlund’s first goal came as a gift but was finished well as he rounded the keeper. Hojlund’s second goal resulted from pure instincts as he used his chest to flick the ball into the back of the net.

Throughout the match, his hold-up play allowed United to push forward and create more chances. With his first-minute goal Hojlund became the youngest-ever Premier League player to score in six straight Premier League games.

Looking Ahead

Manchester United return to Old Trafford on Saturday as they host Fulham. United will look to continue the winning streak and the push for Champions League places.