Erik ten Hag claims Manchester United have had a 'very good' start to the Premier League season

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United have had a 'very good' start to the new Premier League season considering how many injuries they have suffered.

United have been plagued by a number of setbacks during the current campaign and suffered two more scares when Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund both limped out of the home win over Luton.

United have won seven and lost five matches in the Premier League so far this season but find themselves just three points off the top-four with clear room for improvement.

Ten Hag's side were unconvincing again in their 1-0 win over Luton on Saturday afternoon, but the manager was happy to pick up another three points considering all they have been through.

PLAYER RATINGS: Lindelof and Onana good

MATCH REACTION: Ten Hag selection pays off at both ends

Asked if United's league position after so many struggles was actually a cause for optimism, the United manager said: "Absolutely. Even after all the setbacks that we dealt with, we are still in a position close, nearby the top-four. When we start to play well, the team is set for a couple of weeks and months, also other teams will get setbacks and drop points.

"Now we have won four of our last five games in the Premier League, which is good. We are actually in a quite good position. If you oversee all the trouble we had, we are in a very good position. That is a reason to be optimistic.

"Looking forward, we need a step up in performances; creating a lot of chances is hopeful and we will move forward and get better performances and even more points."