MANCHESTER UNITED arrived at Kenilworth Road having scored the same number of Premier League goals as their newly-promoted opponents.
And just seven minutes into this encounter, Red Devils fans may have thought that their side would put some proper daylight between their tally and Luton’s.
Rasmus Hojlund took just 37 seconds to fire Erik ten Hag’s side into the lead following a sloppy back-header by Amari’i Bell.
The in-form Dane then made it two on seven minutes by chesting home Alejandro Garnacho’s strike.
Just as it looked like Man Utd were going to run away with it, Rob Edwards’ side came roaring back.
The impressive Carlton Morris nodded the Hatters back into the game in the 14th minute, beating Andre Onana to United old-boy Tahith Chong’s deflected shot.
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Luton gave it a right go in this ding-dong encounter, and were unlucky not to have a man advantage when Casemiro escaped a second yellow card following a foul on the lively Ross Barkley.
Kenilworth Road got right behind its team, willing the Hatters on in their efforts to pinch an equaliser.
But United held firm, claiming all three points and closing the gap on the top four to five points.
On a frenetic afternoon, SunSport’s Etienne Fermie rates each Man Utd performer.
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ANDRE ONANA – 6
Tentative wjem he was beaten to the ball by Morris as the Luton skipper headed his side back into the game.
But nearly grabbed an assist with a brilliant long pass to Diogo Dalot.
DIOGO DALOT – 5
Given a tough afternoon by Luton’s twin left-sided threat of Alfie Doughty and Chong.
Might have done better when played in by Onana.
RAPHAEL VARANE – 7
Frenchman’s task was made easier by Elijah Adebayo’s late withdrawal from Luton’s starting XI through injury, with Varane instead matching up with Cauley Woodrow.
The experienced centre-back was by the far the best of Man Utd’s back line.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 4
Extremely fortunate to get away with conceding a poor free-kick deep in his own half on the half hour, which allowed Luton a shot on goal.
England star was made to work very hard by the menacing Morris and was booked for a cynical, scything challenge on the Hatters’ No9. Hooked for Jonny Evans at half-time.
LUKE SHAW – 5
Booked on 20 minutes for blocking off Chiedozie Ogbene when beaten for pace.
Shaw made no impact going forward and walked straight down the tunnel after being replaced by Victor Lindelof as he went off injured on the stroke of half-time.
CASEMIRO – 4
Booked on 34 minutes after being beaten by Amari’i Bell. Brazilian was then extremely lucky not to receive a second yellow card moments later for a foul on Barkley, which followed a clumsy first touch.
Hooked at half-time, not a good day at the office for United’s experienced No18.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 8
Where perennial Champions League winner Casemiro looked cumbersome at times, Kobbie Mainoo was anything but. The teenager once again showed remarkable poise in possession in what was a frenetically played game. He was harshly booked in the second half when it seemed he’d won the ball.
The 18-year-old’s case for a first England call-up next month is strengthening by the week.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6
Winger made his 20th consecutive start in all competitions, and grabbed an early assist, albeit a lucky one, when his shot was chested in by Hojlund.
Wasted a series of chances in the second half, with his most glaring coming on 67 minutes when played clean through by Marcus Rashford.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 5
Man Utd skipper was given the freedom of Bedfordshire at times in the first half, but wasted some excellent positions on the counter.
Fernandes rounded Kaminsky on the hour mark, only for Albert Sambi Lokonga to produce a sensational, goal-saving block.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 6
Stung Thomas Kaminsky’s palms with a deflected early effort from the edge of the box, then lashed a shot wide from similar range following a mazy run.
Tested Kaminsky again on 57 minutes, only for the Luton stopper to again come out on top.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 8
Continued his red-hot form within just 37 seconds, rounding Kaminsky and firing home following an awful defensive header by Bell.
The Dane then left Kaminsky wrong-footed as he chested home Garnacho’s seventh-minute shot to grab his second of the game. Spent the remainder of the game battling with Gabriel Osho, before being substituted for Sofyan Amrabat with five minutes remaining.
SUBSTITUTES
Victor Lindelof (for Shaw, 45+2) – 6
As one would expect produced nothing going forward, but was solid enough defensively.
Scott McTominay (for Casemiro, 46) – 6
Showed more composure than Casemiro had but didn’t stamp his authority on the game.
Jonny Evans (for Maguire, 46) – 6
Dealt with the threat of Morris better than Maguire did in the first half.
Sofyan Amrabat (for Hojlund, 85) – N/A
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Not enough time on the pitch to make a big impact.
Subs not used: Bayindir, Eriksen, Diallo, Antony, Forson
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
