Tahith Chong sends message to Manchester United fans after defeat for Luton Town

Luton Town midfielder Tahith Chong didn't enjoy a winning return to Old Trafford on Saturday but was grateful for the reception he received from the Manchester United fans.

Chong left United for Birmingham City last summer, calling time on six-year spell with the Reds. The 23-year-old was one of two academy graduates to sign for Luton ahead of their Premier League return, having been joined by defender Teden Mengi.

The pair were unsuccessful on their return to Old Trafford as Victor Lindelof scored the only goal of a hard-fought 1-0 win. And Chong admits it was tough to build any momentum against a top team.

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"The reaction of the fans, including during the warm-up, I am grateful," Chong said after full-time. "United is a family club. Even when you leave, you stay in contact with many people.

"It's always difficult to come to Old Trafford. They have a good team with world-class players. It was a difficult game, they deprived us of the ball, they made us work hard and they are managed to score the winning goal."

United manager Erik ten Hag was spotted after full-time sharing a moment with Chong and Mengi, who both left Old Trafford in search of more regular first-team football. And the pair have got their wish at Luton, registering 17 Premier League appearances between them this season.

After reflecting on the defeat, Chong posted a picture message on his Instagram story that read: "Just wanted to say thank you to the United fans for the reception and a big compliment to our [Luton] fans for the support during and after the final whistle. Thank you."