Manchester United will look to continue the recent winning run when they take on Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Sunday.
Gameweek 25 of the 2023/24 Premier League season will continue on Sunday, which will bring us two fixtures. The action on the day will get underway with the game between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane before Luton Town and Manchester United lock horns at Kenilworth Road.
Luton Town came into the 2023/24 season as one of the favourites to drop down to the EFL Championship. But Rob Edwards’s men have been one of the most impressive teams in the Premier League this term due to their resolve and stubbornness. However, the Hatters head into this weekend’s daunting fixture on the back of a surprise loss to Sheffield United last week.
On the other hand, Manchester United are showing signs of a turnaround. The Red Devils have won three successive Premier League games heading into Sunday’s match, with their most recent defeat in any competition coming last year. So, an unbeaten start to 2024 is helping Erik ten Hag save his job and his team to remain in contention for a top-four finish.
The reverse fixture saw Manchester United eke out a narrow 1-0 win over Luton Town, with Victor Lindelof scoring the match-winner. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.
Team News & Tactics
Luton Town
Rob Edwards does not have any new injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture. Against Manchester United on Sunday, the Luton Town manager will be bereft of the services of four first-team players.
Mads Andersen is closing in on returning to action. But Sunday’s game has come too soon for him. Tom Lockyer (heart issue) and Marvelous Nakamba (knee) remain long-term absentees, while new signing Daiki Hashioka will not feature this weekend.
Thomas Kaminski will take his usual spot between the sticks, with Luton Town lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation in front of him against Manchester United. The central defensive unit should feature Amari’i Bell, Gabriel Osho, and Teden Mengi.
As for the midfield unit, Ross Barkley and Albert Sambi Lokonga will look to keep things tight in the middle of the park. Chiedozie Ogbene and Alfie Doughty will be the two wing-backs, with the duo providing width in the final third. Meanwhile, Elijah Adebayo will lead the line, with Carlton Morris and Andros Townsend completing the numbers in the attack.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Kaminski; Osho, Mengi, Bell; Ogbene, Barkley, Lokonga, Doughty; Townsend, Morris; Adebayo
Manchester United
Like his counterpart in the Luton Town dugout, Erik ten Hag does not have a new issue to deal with ahead of the trip to Kenilworth Road. The Manchester United manager will be without five first-team players on Sunday.
The Dutch tactician has been sweating over the fitness of Luke Shaw. But the Englishman should be fit enough to take the field this weekend. But Lisandro Martinez (knee), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (knock), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Mason Mount (calf), and Anthony Martial (groin) remain in the treatment room.
Manchester United will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Luton Town on Sunday, with Andre Onana featuring in the goal. Shaw will join Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, and Diogo Dalot in the backline.
As for the midfield unit, Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro will pair up in the double pivot. The duo will look to keep things tight in the middle of the park while initiating quick transitions. Bruno Fernandes will reprise his usual no. 10 role, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho being the two wide attackers. Finally, Rasmus Hojlund will spearhead the attack for the away side.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
Key Stats
- Luton Town have failed to win any of their last 12 matches against Manchester United in all competitions (D2 L10). The most recent league meeting between these two teams at Kenilworth Road ended 1-1 in April 1992.
- Luton Town’s only victory in their last five Premier League games was by 4-0 at home against Brighton & Hove Albion (D2 L2). Each of Luton’s most recent four league defeats has come at Kenilworth Road.
- Manchester United can win five consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time since January 2023. Erik ten Hag’s men have earned six Premier League away victories this season; only Manchester City (8) and Arsenal (7) have registered more.
- Manchester United have won 11 successive league fixtures against promoted sides. In addition, they are unbeaten in their 25 Premier League games in February (W16 D9), last losing a league match in February six years ago.
- Scott McTominay’s seven league goals this season have been worth 12 points, the most of any player in the division.
Player to Watch
Marcus Rashford
Rasmus Hojlund has finally found a stable footing at Manchester United, finding the back of the net in five successive games. In addition, Alejandro Garancho is thriving in the role on the right flank. So, the onus is on Marcus Rashford to rediscover his best form and help Manchester United end the season strongly.
The English international has endured a horrific 2023/24 campaign, with many fans turning on him. So, Rashford must prove his worth and show why the fickle behaviour is not on. In addition, returning to top form will help his cause ahead of the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024.
Prediction
Luton Town 1-2 Manchester United
Luton Town might be one of the best minnows in Premier League history. But the defeat to Sheffield United exposed chinks in their armoury. That is something Manchester United will look to capitalise on as they aim to continue their winning run.
Expect Rasmus Hojlund to continue his fine run of form and Marcus Rashford to deliver the goods. But Luton Town will not go down without a fight, although they might only manage to find the back of the net once against Manchester United. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 victory for Erik ten Hag and his charges.
