Lindelof rides to Man Utd’s rescue to beat Luton

Manchester United’s Swedish defender #02 Victor Lindelof (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Luton Town at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on November 11, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

Victor Lindelof was Manchester United’s unlikely hero as they moved into the Premier League’s top six with a 1-0 win over Luton on Saturday. The Swedish defender scored his first goal for nearly three years by smashing in from close range after Luton failed to clear a corner.

United boss Erik ten Hag desperately needed a response after his side slumped to a ninth defeat in 17 games this season by losing 4-3 to FC Copenhagen on Wednesday.

The English giants may be at risk of an early exit from the Champions League, but they have now won four of their last five in the Premier League.

All of those victories have been by a single goal and the manner of victory was again far from convincing for United in the Hatters’ first trip to Old Trafford since 1991.

Rasmus Hojlund scored twice on his return to Denmark in midweek to take his tally to five goals in four Champions League games.

However, Hojlund is still yet to net in the Premier League.

The £64 million ($78 million) signing missed two big chances to break his duck.

Hojlund’s best piece of play then teed up Alejandro Garnacho, who failed to beat Thomas Kaminski when clean through on goal.

United had to wait until just before the hour mark to make the breakthrough.

Marcus Rashford’s low cross was deflected back into the path of Lindelof, who made no mistake from 10 yards out.

Rashford was among those guilty of wasting opportunities to add to United’s lead.

But United were rarely