Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag must address the elephant in his dressing room

"I think it's too quick to say we've turned a corner," said Erik ten Hag before Manchester United's win against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Sunday.

"We're not there yet. We're back in the race but this club as a minimum wants to be in the top four, as a minimum. But I feel we're now heading in the right direction."

Rasmus Hojlund's brace ensured a 2-1 victory over Luton and the win closed the gap to Tottenham to just three points. It also meant United are undefeated in their seven games in 2024 and, remarkably, they have a positive goal difference for the first time in six months.

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Ten Hag was right to suggest United are heading in the right direction again after a dreadful first half of the season, which saw immense pressure build on his position.

There was no appetite from the club or supporters to see Ten Hag lose his job, but results were not good enough and, crucially, the performances were the main cause for concern.

There were accusations about the team's lack of style and identity, but putting points on the board has quietened that conversation and United have gained momentum in the last few weeks.

They seem to be peaking as the business stage of the season approaches and are five points behind the Champions League places. Many did not give United a chance of finishing in the top four after such a dismal start but the odds have shortened after each win.

At the beginning of the season, Luton were the favourites to be relegated, but they recruited shrewdly and the charming Kenilworth Road has become a difficult place to visit.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal have all been