Victor Lindelof emerged as Manchester United’s unexpected hero, propelling them into the Premier League’s top six with a 1-0 triumph over Luton on Saturday. Despite the victory, Erik ten Hag expressed frustration as his forwards struggled once again at Old Trafford.
The Swedish defender broke a nearly three-year goal drought by smashing in from close range following Luton’s failure to clear a corner. Remarkably, United’s center-backs have now outscored their forwards in the Premier League this season.
Desperate for a response after a recent defeat to FC Copenhagen, Ten Hag’s side secured their fourth win in five Premier League games. However, these victories, all by a single goal, have raised concerns about the team’s convincing performance, especially during Luton’s first visit to Old Trafford since 1991.
Ten Hag acknowledged the importance of the win but emphasized the need for an easier path by scoring early and securing a second goal. Despite creating multiple chances before halftime, United struggled to capitalize, leaving the game open for Luton to potentially equalize.
Rasmus Hojlund, who scored twice in the Champions League, is yet to find the net in the Premier League despite missing two significant opportunities. United finally broke the deadlock just before the hour mark when Lindelof capitalized on a deflected cross from Marcus Rashford.
While Rashford and others missed chances to widen the lead, United defensively remained solid, achieving their first Premier League clean sheet at Old Trafford since the season’s opening weekend. This victory brings United within six points of league leaders Manchester City, while Luton narrowly avoids the relegation zone based on goal difference.