PLAYER RATINGS: Rasmus Hojlund was the hero and Kobbie Mainoo made a case for an England call-up as Man United beat Luton 2-1… but Casemiro and two Red Devils defenders struggle
- Hojlund is the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League games
- Kobbie Mainoo was Man United’s standout midfielder when Casemiro flapped
- IAN LADYMAN: If I needed a new heart, I’d want Harry Maguire’s! Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Manchester United overcame a challenging performance against Luton Town to claim a 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road.
Rasmus Hojlund was the hero, striking twice within the first seven minutes to give United a commanding lead.
However, Carlton Morris pulled one back for the hosts after 14 minutes and Luton bombarded Andre Onana’s goal with 22 shots, with Ross Barkley hitting the crossbar with a header in the dying moments.
Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo were the standouts for Erik ten Hag’s team, but overall it was far from convincing.
Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Casemiro all looked up to the pace as United cruised to a fourth straight win to boost their Champions League hopes.
Here are Mail Sport’s player ratings.
Rasmus Hojlund scored for the sixth game in a row as his double fired Man United to victory
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
André Onana – 6
He has improved a lot since the turn of the year and that is why he will be irritated by how careful he was before Carlton Morris’ goal. Perhaps it was fortunate that he was able to avoid a booking with how long he took over his goal kicks in the second half.
Luke Shaw-5
Was let down by Chiedozie Ogbene and doesn’t want to see the goal again when Carlton Morris turned it away and headed it in. It appeared he suffered a new injury and was taken off the field before half-time. Booked.
Harry Maguire-5.5
He has been one of United’s best players in recent weeks, but this is not a performance he can add to the collection. Joined by Ten Hag at half-time after being shown a yellow card for taking down Morris on the edge of the penalty area at the end of the first half.
Luke Shaw was disrupted by Chiedozie Ogbene and sent off at half-time with a new injury
Harry Maguire was also substituted at half-time after falling below his recent high standards and receiving a yellow card
Raphael Varane – 6.5
Made a crucial block on 31 minutes to prevent Luton from making it 2-2, saving Maguire after his mistake and providing another reminder that United would be wise to extend his contract beyond the end of the season .
Diogo Dalot-6
He made a lot of headlines for his assist at Villa Park and why he didn’t produce as many fireworks here, there have been far worse performances in a United shirt than his.
I tried to make things happen on the right side with some innovative runs.
Casemiro-5
Looked so serene in the opening stages but quickly lost his way. United desperately need him to dictate the tempo, but he couldn’t handle the pace of the game here.
Was lucky not to be turned away after recklessly going through the back of Ross Barkley when I had already booked. Crocheted during half time.
Kobbie Mainoo-7.5
The best of United’s midfield three. You’ll be lucky enough to see his footwork in person as he weaves his way around markers.
Gareth Southgate must take action to get him into the England squad. Booked.
Kobbie Mainoo sent Gareth Southgate another reminder of his abilities with a composed play
Casemiro was off the pace and could have been sent off for a reckless foul on Ross Barkley
Bruno Fernandes-6
A frustrating afternoon for the Manchester United captain, in what was largely a frustrating team show.
His passing was excessive in a scrappy first half. Improved in the second when United saw it.
Marcus Rashford-6.5
Bit in the first half after taking a blow to the head, but settled down after avoiding a yellow card on that occasion.
Unlucky not to score a goal himself after a quick run through Luton’s half in the second half.
Rasmus Hojlund – 8.5
It took him 37 seconds to get his first and seven minutes later he had his second.
Gary Neville called him the ‘real deal’ on commentary and it’s hard to argue with that. That’s thirteen goals and that now counts in all competitions.
Alejandro Garnacho-6.5
Brilliant volley that resulted in an assist for Hojlund’s second goal was a nice goal, but he should have scored a goal himself when it was one against one in the second half. Had his head in his hands after being smothered.
Erik ten Hag was brutal with his substitutions, but was it a mistake in starting Luke Shaw?
Manager: Erik ten Hag – 6.5
Questions will be asked about whether he rushed Luke Shaw back after the left-back was forced off again in the first half. But he was brave in making changes during the break, with a group of players on a booking, and his winning run continues.
