Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag praised his players for their persistence, organisation and defending as they narrowly beat Luton Town – but wants to see his side put away their chances early and often.
Victor Lindelof scored the only goal of the game just before the hour mark on Saturday, finding the net in the Premier League for the first time in nearly three years.
The Red Devils have now won four of their last five league games to move them up to sixth in the table, leaving them just three points outside the top four.
“It is a good day,” Ten Hag told BBC Match of the Day. “We needed the win and we got it but we could make life more easy by scoring early on and getting a second.
“We created the chances but we didn’t score apart from one. I am happy with that and I am happy with the clean sheet. We had many chances before half time and you should net one of them.
“After half time, get the second and then the game is gone. Now you keep them alive and they can get an equaliser from balls dropping in the wrong place.
“It would be better for composure, for the calmness, for the manager, the coaches and the team if we score early on, but if you don’t you have to keep going. I have to compliment the team that they kept going, kept organised and didn’t give anything away.
“We have three away games – all big games – and we have to get ready for that. Hopefully the players stay fit in their international duties. We get ready for that. A lot of work to do.”
Man United move up to seventh in the Premier League table on 21 points after 12 games. After the international break they travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton in their next league outing.
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