Erik ten Hag makes bold top four claim after Man Utd's unconvincing Luton win

11 November 2023 , 18:30

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Erik ten Hag is feeling optimistic (Image: Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag claimed his Manchester United stars are ready to push for the top four after a narrow win over promoted Luton.

A second-half Victor Lindelof strike gave United victory over the spirited Hatters as Ten Hag saw two more of his stars, Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen, limp off with injuries.

But the United boss was upbeat on his 50th Premier League game in charge, even though a third booking of the season means he’ll face a touchline ban against Everton after the international break.

“Even after all the setbacks we are still in a position near the top four,” said Ten Hag. And when we start to play well and the team is set for a couple of months, then other teams will get their setbacks and drop points.

“We have won four of our last five League games and if you see all the trouble we had we are in a very good position. That’s a reason to be optimistic. We could have made life easier by scoring early, but we won and kept a clean sheet.”

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Hatters boss Rob Edwards said: “We’re disappointed. but I’m seeing a lot of good things. They dominated and we rode our luck, but our keeper made a couple of cracking saves.

“There’s a lot to be proud of but I’m disappointed with the goal, that’s what cost us. We have to be touch-tight in those chaotic moments but we showed we can compete on the big stage.”

Steve Bates