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Man Utd player ratings v Luton: Four score 7/10 in 1-0 win - gallery

Michael Plant
·4-min read
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Victor Lindeloef of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Luton Town at Old Trafford on November 11, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Victor Lindeloef of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Luton Town at Old Trafford on November 11, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

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.

Made a good save to deny Morris' header, although one misplaced kick in the first half particularly frustrated Ten Hag on the sidelines.
Made a good save to deny Morris' header, although one misplaced kick in the first half particularly frustrated Ten Hag on the sidelines.

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.

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.
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.

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...

Seemed to spend most of the game moaning at the referee, but put in a solid display at the back.
Seemed to spend most of the game moaning at the referee, but put in a solid display at the back.
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.
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.
Didn't contribute much going forward, but kept Andros Townsend relatively quiet on the Luton right.
Didn't contribute much going forward, but kept Andros Townsend relatively quiet on the Luton right.
Started out as an attacking midfielder, but dropped back into a defensive role after came off. McTominay played well and it was a battling display from McTominay in the middle.
Started out as an attacking midfielder, but dropped back into a defensive role after came off. McTominay played well and it was a battling display from McTominay in the middle.
Went off with an injury just before half-time, after what was a slow and steady display. Eriksen sat deep in midfield and kept the ball moving without offering any real threat or penetration.
Went off with an injury just before half-time, after what was a slow and steady display. Eriksen sat deep in midfield and kept the ball moving without offering any real threat or penetration.
Spent the first half trying to find a way past the Luton defence with long balls in behind the defence. Fernandes didn't create much after the break but helped United dominate possession.
Spent the first half trying to find a way past the Luton defence with long balls in behind the defence. Fernandes didn't create much after the break but helped United dominate possession.
Put in some good crosses, including for Lindelof's goal, and Rashford played well in the second half. He produced some dangerous runs and, while not at his best, it was better than recent showings.
Put in some good crosses, including for Lindelof's goal, and Rashford played well in the second half. He produced some dangerous runs and, while not at his best, it was better than recent showings.
Another frustrating afternoon in the league - that's nine games without a goal now for the Dane. Hojlund missed two big chances and, once again, didn't receive the service from United's midfield that he wants.
Another frustrating afternoon in the league - that's nine games without a goal now for the Dane. Hojlund missed two big chances and, once again, didn't receive the service from United's midfield that he wants.
Provided some dangerous moments cutting in off the left, although none resulted in a United goal. The decision to replace him midway through the second half was booed by a few inside Old Trafford.
Provided some dangerous moments cutting in off the left, although none resulted in a United goal. The decision to replace him midway through the second half was booed by a few inside Old Trafford.
Didn't offer much attacking threat, but battled in the middle.
Didn't offer much attacking threat, but battled in the middle.
Pushed forward and tried to help United get a second, but he didn't provide any real threat.
Pushed forward and tried to help United get a second, but he didn't provide any real threat.
Raphael Varane (on 79)
Raphael Varane (on 79)
Anthony Martial (on 79)
Anthony Martial (on 79)