THE NOTEBOOK: Man United legend Sir Alex Ferguson returns to Old Trafford for the first time since Lady Cathy’s death… as Marcus Rashford reaches milestone and Glazers protests continue
- Sir Alex Ferguson has made his appearance at Old Trafford since Lady Cathy’s death
- Marcus Rashford reached 250 league appearances for Man United in victory over Luton
- Man Utd are NOT good enough to have a ball playing goalkeeper It all comes to the surface
Manchester United had to work hard, but went into the international break on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Luton Town.
Victor Lindelof scored the only goal of the match, although there was more injury woes for the Red Devils, with Danish duo Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund both replaced through injuries.
Erik ten Hag will be pleased that his side have managed to bounce back from their Champions League disappointment against Copenhagen by beating Luton, who frustrated rivals Liverpool to a draw at Kenilworth Road last week.
There were a number of familiar and less familiar faces in the crowd watching United’s final match before the international break.
Mail Sport’s Nathan Salt looks at what you might have missed from Saturday’s match.
Victor Lindelof scored the only goal on Saturday as Manchester United defeated Luton Town 1-0
NICE TO SEE YOU
Manchester United fans haven’t had much to smile about at Old Trafford lately, but the sight of Sir Alex Ferguson in the director’s box drew a lot of grins.
The 81-year-old was back at Old Trafford for the first time since his wife Lady Cathy died early last month.
He had old opponent Sam Allardyce for company.
Sir Alex Ferguson made his first appearance at Old Trafford since Lady Cathy’s death – with Sam Allardyce joining him for the match
A NOT SO FAMILIAR FACE
Speaking of people returning to Old Trafford after a short spell, there were still a few who needed a double take to spot a former striker.
Dong Fangzhuo made the trip for the visit of Luton, marking his first visit to Old Trafford since leaving the club in 2008.
The former China international was initially unable to play for United’s first team due to an ineligible visa.
He would make just two appearances for United and left as one of Ferguson’s worst ever signings.
“Good to see you again, Dong,” United posted on X. I’m not sure many fans thought the same.
RASHFORD’S Landmark Game
He may have huffed and puffed his way through another frustrating performance, but this was a landmark afternoon for Marcus Rashford.
The England international became the youngest player in Man United history to reach 250 Premier League appearances, here at the age of 26 years and 11 days.
It makes Rashford the 16th different player to reach the milestone at United.
Marcus Rashford became the youngest Man United player in history to reach 250 Premier League appearances
PROTESTS CONTINUE
A call to arms was made online by fan group The 1958 in the days leading up to the Luton clash, for fans to continue fighting against the Glazers’ ownership.
A group of Manchester United fans – smaller than police expected – gathered outside the North West Quadrant an hour before kick-off.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority stake in the club expected to be ratified in the not-too-distant future, the chances of the protests stopping seem slim to none.
Manchester United fans continued to protest against the Glazers before the match, while banners were held during the match against Luton
THE RUN CONTINUES
Since losing their first ever home game against Luton in 1897, Manchester United’s victory means they have now won their last 19 games against the Hatters, a run dating back to 1899.
A look at the record books of English football league history shows us that only Everton vs. Fulham (22, 1961-2018) and Coventry vs. Norwich (19, 1937-1979) have had longer winning home runs against a team.
Domination.
BURNLEY’S LOSS TO LUTON
Andros Townsend burst into tears when it became clear that Burnley’s contract offer was no longer on Vincent Kompany’s table.
Burnley’s loss is certainly Luton’s gain.
His boundless energy kept United honest in a first half lacking in quality and although he failed to become the third player in Premier League history to score a goal for more than two clubs at Old Trafford, he received a warm embrace from Rob Edwards when he came off.
Kompany might regret his decision on this.
Andros Townsend’s boundless energy showed why Vincent Kompany might regret his decision not to offer him a contract
