Manchester United will be looking for a third win in four Premier League games as they host newcomers Luton at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Erik ten Hag’s men have continued to pick up points in the league despite a number of unconvincing performances, while Luton are in danger of being dragged into an early dogfight for survival.
Here’s all you need to know about this Saturday’s clash.
Manchester United vs Luton – Premier League Match Preview:
Form
Manchester United: WWLLW
Coming off the back of successive 3-0 defeats to Manchester City in the league and Newcastle in the EFL Cup, a late Bruno Fernandes strike earned the Red Devils a 1-0 win over Fulham in their last league outing.
The work rate from @FPellistri07, the finish from @B_Fernandes8 💪❤️🔥#MUFC || #FULMUN pic.twitter.com/xCu0xXSDMF
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 5, 2023
The Portuguese playmaker has been the shining light of a poor United attack this season as he tops the club’s charts for both goals (3) and assists (2). All three of the 29-year-old’s goals have been match-winners and without his cutting edge, United would be six points worse off, sat in 15th place.
Harry Maguire’s reintroduction into the backline has seen the Red Devils win three of their last four league games, with a clean sheet against Fulham and a man-of-the-match performance against former club Sheffield United.
However, United conceded four goals during a costly Champions League defeat to FC Copenhagen in midweek, after Marcus Rashford’s first-half red card.
There has been more bad news on United’s injury front as Casemiro has been ruled out until the new year with a thigh problem. He has joined fellow South American Lisandro Martinez on the sidelines.
Left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain out and Jadon Sancho continues his in-house suspension.
Luton: LLDLD
The Hatters came agonisingly close to a famous win at Kenilworth Road against Liverpool last time out, as a Luis Diaz’s stoppage time equaliser cancelled out Tahith Chong’s strike and denied Rob Edwards’ men a first Premier League home win.
A memory to last a lifetime. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/6HbEo9iAGz
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) November 5, 2023
The point leaves the Bedfordshire outfit in 17th place, only outside the relegation zone on goal difference, but Everton’s good run of form ahead of them has seen a gap widen to five points, as a bottom four starts to establish itself.
Last season’s Championship Play-Off winners have only picked up one point against a team outside the bottom eight this season and their next five fixtures see them face Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Luton are yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League, a situation which has not been helped by injuries to defenders Mads Andersen, Reece Burke and Dan Potts. Amari’i Bell is being assessed ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.
Last Meeting
Luton 0-3 Manchester United, September 22nd 2020
The two clubs haven’t faced off since the infamous behind-closed-doors season and between the two starting XIs that day only five players remain at their current clubs. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire for United, with captain Tom Lockyer, winger Jordan Clark and James Shea for the Hatters.
Four players from Luton’s starting XI now play in either League One or League Two, while the EFL Cup third round tie saw Dean Henderson make his Manchester United debut, as he lined up in a Red Devils side which included Eric Bailly, Juan Mata and Odion Ighalo.
Second-tier Luton kept the Red Devils at bay for 44 minutes, before Brandon Williams was fouled in the box and Mata tucked away the resulting penalty.
A late flurry from substitute pairing Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men a 3-0 win at an empty Kenilworth Road and a place in round four.
The 13-time Premier League winners would reach the semi finals of that year’s competition, before they bowed out to eventual winners Manchester City in a 2-0 defeat.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Evans, Dalot; McTominay, Mount, Fernandes; Antony, Hojlund, Rashford.
Luton: Kaminski; Mengi, Lockyer, Osho; Kabore, Nakamba, Barkley, Doughty; Townsend, Ogbene, Morris.
Who is the referee?
Graham Scott.
Is Manchester United v Luton on TV?
UK and Ireland: Not televised live in the UK or Ireland.
USA: USA Network.
What time is kick off?
Saturday 11th November, 15:00pm GMT.
Odds
Manchester United: 1/3
Draw: 17/4
Luton: 8/1
