Five talking points as Manchester United defeat Luton Town (Premier League)

Manchester United secured all three points as they defeated Luton Town in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon at Old Trafford.

It was a dull first half at Old Trafford for both Luton and Manchester United, with either team only posing one credible threat before half-time. Rasmus Højlund had a good early chance that was blocked on the line, and Andrè Onana made a lovely save to deny Carlton Morris, but it was a pretty drab display.

The second half followed much of the same story until Victor Lindelöf had his say, with the Swede smashing in a loose ball in the Luton area past Thomas Kaminski in the 59th minute

Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester United 1-X Luton Town (Premier League)

Here are five talking points from the game.

#1 – Maguire a firm favourite

Harry Maguire has been starting multiple fixtures since Lisandro Martínez was confirmed as injured until the New Year and he has risen back to United’s most reliable centre-half over Raphaël Varane.

Varane has been on the bench for United’s last four matches, with Ten Hag simply stating that he feels the Frenchman is not as good on the left-hand side as Maguire, despite Varane being well-known as a very two-footed player.

Maguire performed well, helping guide United to a clean sheet in the Premier League alongside goalscorer Lindelöf.

#2 – Garnacho is getting back to his best but is still raw

Alejandro Garnacho seems to be getting back to his brilliant best after having been afforded appearances on the left wing, but his decision-making is still raw.

He was looking to drive into the area at every opportunity and got X shots off throughout eh game, but his one brilliant chance right before half-time was scuppered by his decision to try and go around the keeper instead of shoot.

#3 – Is Eriksen overplayed?

Christian Eriksen was United’s first substitution, with the player being replaced by Mason Mount through injury, and there is a case to be made that Eriksen has been overplayed this season.

The Dane went off with a problem to his knee after being filmed slipping on the turf earlier in the game, but he has started four of United’s last five matches ahead of Mason Mount, who was signed for £55 million in the summer.

He may be being overplayed by Ten Hag, who surely must realise that he has to make sure he utilises his squad properly after suffering from so many injury issues this campaign.

#4 – Lindelof rises to the occasion

Of all the players to rise to the moment and give United the lead, it was Victor Lindelof who smashed the ball home in front of the Stretford End.

After the ball bounced around several times after a corner, it was Lindelöf who ran onto the ball and struck it high into the middle of the Luton net to hand United a huge sense of relief both as the goal went in and again once the final whistle blew.

#5 – Hojlund’s barren run goes on

Rasmus Højlund, despite his brilliance in the Champions League this season, is yet to register a goal in the Premier League this season.

The club have not been creating proper chances for him so far in the competition, but he has been unlucky in other respects, with the player having a goal unfairly disallowed on his Old Trafford debut against Brighton.

He had to be substituted against Luton due to an apparent hamstring problem with no indication yet of how serious it is, with Ten Hag due to give an update after the fixture.