The after-effect of the dramatic collapse against Copenhagen should be resonating with Manchester United, but the Reds Devils will quickly have to turn their attention towards the weekend’s Premier League fixture against Luton Town.
The Red Devils suffered a shock 4-3 defeat against the Danish giants in the Champions League groups stage despite taking a 2-0 lead.
With that defeat, United’s hopes of qualifying for the knockouts are hanging by a thread as they are currently last in their group.
They will be hoping to bounce back against 17th-placed Luton Town, who held Liverpool to a draw in their previous encounter.
Manchester United vs Luton Match Preview
It appeared to be another walk in the park after United doubled the lead inside the half-hour, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring a double against his former side.
However, little did they know they would be brought back to square one in no time. Marcus Rashford’s red card marked the start of an unimaginable downfall.
The Danish giants got on level terms after back-to-back goals right at the end of the first half.
Man Utd appeared to found their way out after winning a penalty around the 70th minute, with Bruno Fernandes making no mistake from the spot. However, their happiness was fleeting as Copenhagen went on to score two more goals to put a dagger in United’s heart.
The implosion was unreal as the entire squad crumbled under pressure. The win against Fulham only papered over the cracks, and last night’s result further highlighted the deep crisis Man Utd are in now.
Playing with a man down will always be a disadvantage for any side, but a team of United’s stature should be doing better instead of succumbing to the pressure.
Erik ten Hag has come under scrutiny again, though he was not critical of his side’s performance and only finds the referee culpable.
There appears to be no pressure yet from the higher-ups to make a decision on the Dutch gaffer, who has been cited as the best man to rebuild the squad and bring back the glory days.
Nevertheless, Ten Hag should be reminded that he can’t afford to get above the threshold and he needs to keep the side afloat.
The Red Devils should leave their troubles behind and aim for a victory this weekend, but Luton Town will look to inflict further damage on the hosts.
Rob Edwards’ side pulled off an impressive draw against Jurgen Klopp’s men. In fact, they would have bagged three points were it not for Luis Diaz’s equaliser in the eleventh hour.
They will be looking to replicate a similar effort against United, who are low in confidence.
Just hovering above the relegation zone, a miraculous result against the Red Devils would provide Luton Town with the stimulus to change their fortunes around.
Manchester United vs Luton Team News
Luckily, United have no major fresh injury concerns, except for Jonny Evans, who couldn’t even last more than 15 minutes against Copenhagen.
Meanwhile, The Hatters could welcome back Amari’i Bell from injury while Mads Andersen, Reece Burke, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Daniel Potts and Jordan Clark remain sidelined.
Manchester United vs Luton possible lineups
Manchester United possible starting XI
Andre Onana; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot; Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen; Facundo Pellistri, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Rasmus Hojlund
Luton Town possible starting XI
Thomas Kaminski; Issa Kabore, Teden Mengi, Tom Lockyer, Gabriel Osho, Alfie Doughty; Ross Barkley, Marvelous Nakamba, Tahith Chong; Elijah Adebayo, Carlton Morris
Manchester United vs Luton Prediction
We Say: Manchester United 0-1 Luton Town
Man Utd’s crisis and low morale might play into the hands of Luton Town, who have great chances of halting the hosts as they did with Liverpool.
