Erik ten Hag's selection pays off at both ends for Manchester United vs Luton

Goals are so scarce at Manchester United that the defence has done as much attacking as the attackers. Victor Lindelof is their fourth defender to walk off the pitch the matchwinner this season.

It would not be so alarming if it were not so predictable. United have barely sharpened their attack, still blunted by Marcus Rashford's forlorn form, and the pressure of the Premier League has taken its toll on the callow Rasmus Hojlund.

Lindelof's clinical swipe, his first goal for United since December 2020, spared fellow Scandinavian Hojlund, profligate again in the Premier League and now goalless in nine appearances. Hojlund hit the goalkeeper in the 10th minute and missed the target in the 49th. Had he converted the first effort, this would have been a serene and straightforward afternoon for United.

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Hojlund can console himself that he has not cost United points against Luton, in exile from the top flight for 31 years. United have also overtaxed the £72million Hojlund, with no dependable support striker to fall back on.

It is still reasonable to expect a frontman coveted by United and Paris Saint-Germain to be clinical with the pressure eased against a defender who was on loan at Rochdale two seasons ago. Luton's XI also included Teden Mengi, bought for a tuppence from United on transfer deadline day in September.

And yet United supporters were palpably apprehensive at the sight of Hojlund gingerly walking towards the tunnel. He held a conflab with Erik ten Hag and the medical staff before he headed down the touchline. The presence of the stagnant Anthony Martial as his replacement is one of little reassurance.

And so