“I think it’s too quick to say we’ve turned a corner,” said Erik ten Hag before Manchester United’s win against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Sunday.
“We’re not there yet. We’re back in the race but this club as a minimum wants to be in the top four, as a minimum. But I feel we’re now heading in the right direction.”
Rasmus Hojlund’s brace ensured a 2-1 victory over Luton and the win closed the gap to Tottenham to just three points. It also meant United are undefeated in their seven games in 2024 and, remarkably, they have a positive goal difference for the first time in six months.
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Ten Hag was right to suggest United are heading in the right direction again after a dreadful first half of the season, which saw immense pressure build on his position.
There was no appetite from the club or supporters to see Ten Hag lose his job, but results were not good enough and, crucially, the performances were the main cause for concern.
There were accusations about the team’s lack of style and identity, but putting points on the board has quietened that conversation and United have gained momentum in the last few weeks.
They seem to be peaking as the business stage of the season approaches and are five points behind the Champions League places. Many did not give United a chance of finishing in the top four after such a dismal start but the odds have shortened after each win.
At the beginning of the season, Luton were the favourites to be relegated, but they recruited shrewdly and the charming Kenilworth Road has become a difficult place to visit.
Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal have all been challenged when playing at Kenilworth Road and that is why last weekend’s win cannot be sniffed at, regardless of how it unfolded.
However, there were a few shaky moments in the game for United and they lacked control again. Kobbie Mainoo played with the most composure of any player in a white away shirt and although he is a special talent, an 18-year-old shouldn’t be the one with the calmest head.
Luton finished the game with 59 per cent possession and that is just the fourth time they’ve had more of the ball than the opposition when playing at home this season.
After taking a two-goal lead, United should have coasted to victory, but the game became chaotic instead and that problem is certainly not exclusive to Sunday’s performance. United have surrendered two-goal leads on far too many occasions this season.
Ten Hag suggested results would improve when key players returned from injury and they have. He also said performances would improve but the lack of control has not been fixed.
United have a habit of making games into a contest when they don’t have to be. There is enough quality on the pitch to control proceedings and to make the opposition chase the ball.
Finally, the team is heading in the right direction again but there is still plenty to improve.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
