MATCH REVIEW - LUTON TOWN v MANCHESTER UNITED

MATCH STATS

TALKING POINTS

Manchester United started the match brightly as Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard had a few early attempts that were saved by the keeper. Donny van de Beek looked at home as he was the one pulling the strings in midfield. The bright start however faded out and and one point it looked like Luton Town would be pulling off an upset. Just before half half-time Brandon Williams was brought down inside the box and the subsequently awarded penalty was converted by Juan Mata. United went into half time a goal in front.

The second half started the same way but United failed to make chances pay and Luton tried to build on attack after attack. After Donny van de Beek's effort was saved near post by Shea, Luton almost levelled the game on  the other end only to be denied by a stunning save from debutant goalkeeper Dean Henderson who had nothing to do apart from that. Solskjaer sensing that Luton could claw their way back, brought on Bruno, Rashford and Greenwood after 80 minutes. The three were ruthless and made sure the game was sealed beyond any doubt. For the second goal, Marcus Rashford finished in the bottom right corner after exquisite build up play between him, Fernandes and Greenwood. Mason Greenwood then finished off the game in injury time with in neat finish into the bottom corner after cutting in from the right - something which is sort of becoming a trademark for him. 

TACTICS REVIEW

The formation and team I predicted was almost spot on as Solskjaer made 10 changes with only Harry Maguire the survivor from the defeat against crystal palace. We lined up majorly in a 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 system but has time it was the full backs providing the width and not the wingers who mainly played a bit a central. Dean Henderson also made his debut in the game. Here's how we lined up

HITANSHU'S VERDICT

Manchester United's tie with Luton was supposed to be a cakewalk, but seem to be dragged on a Luton put up a resilient performance, trying to keep their shape as much as possible. I'm glad that Mata's penalty wasn't the only goal in the match. Ole's substitutions made an instant impact as we experienced some slick link up-play between Rashford and Greenwood. Meanwhile, on the other side of the pitch, Henderson barely had anything to do but pulled off a wonderful save when called into action. Overall, our players looked better than they did against Crystal Palace and I hope we carry and build on this result. Ole somewhat made an indication to the board about what he wants from them by showing the impact made by the substitutions. We dearly need a stronger squad.

VARUN'S VERDICT

We finally delivered a win although during some times in the match it didn't feel like it and there was this feeling that maybe Luton can pull off an upset. But we held our own defensively. Bailly was simply outstanding and that save from Dean Henderson almost looked impossible. Brandon Williams looked like he was lacking a bit in match fitness and looked a little lethargic. We got to rest a few main team players and that was a positive. Fred was good and Van de Beek was exceptional. But there was the issue of the our forwards finishing as Lingard and Mata were wasteful. Not to mention that that Odion Ighalo was absolutely dreadful. 

Greenwood, Bruno and Rashford were absolutely amazing when they came on and they linked up in both the goals scored in the second half. We need to build up on this result in the weekend and hopefully truly kickstart our campaign. 

MAN OF THE MATCH

DONNY VAN DE BEEK : One prediction i got right. Van de Beek pulled all the strings in the midfield and was simply quite brilliant. he is one to watch through the season for sure. His passing was immaculate and his reading of the game is simply outstanding. A joy to watch.