Ten Hag wants 'fragile' United to be more clinical after Luton win

Two early goals from striker Rasmus Hojlund gave United the advantage on Sunday

By Web Desk
February 19, 2024
Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund celebrates after scoring at Luton. - AFP

Manager Erik ten Hag has urged Manchester United to be more clinical in front of goal after his side fluffed numerous chances in Sunday's 2-1 Premier League win at Luton Town.

United, sixth on the league table, have won their last four league games but three of those victories have been by one-goal margins.

The Dutchman told reporters United had been "fragile" at times after not being able to kill the game off.

"We missed some really massive chances and we should have scored and we know that," he added.

"On the other hand, Luton Town have lost games this season, but only two times by more than two, so it is not easy here.

"The way we started was perfect and that's the way we want to do it, it was a perfect game plan but the only thing we didn't do is be more clinical in front of goal.

"We must score more goals because today we could have easily scored five goals."

Two early goals from striker Rasmus Hojlund gave United the advantage on Sunday but after Carlton Morris reduced the deficit in the 14th minute at Kenilworth Road Ten Hag's side couldn’t restore their two-goal lead.

Hojlund scored Manchester United's earliest ever Premier League away goal (37 seconds), and gave them their fastest ever 2-0 lead in an away Premier League game (7th minute).

Hojlund is the youngest player ever to score in six successive Premier League appearances, surpassing Joe Willock's record (21y 272d).

After failing to score in his first 14 Premier League appearances following his August move from Atalanta, Hojlund has scored eight times in his last eight games in all competitions.

United next host Fulham on Saturday before heading to Nottingham Forest for a fifth-round FA Cup tie.

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