18 February 2024 , 21:01
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Erik ten Hag praised two-goal hero Rasmus Hojlund but warned Manchester United still look “fragile.”
Hojlund fired a brilliant early brace in front of pop star Harry Styles who was a VIP guest at Kenilworth Road to see United enjoy a fourth straight win to put them in sight of a Champions League place. United boss ten Hag said £73m striker Hojlund is now proving his worth after a slow start to his Old Trafford career as he scored in his sixth consecutive Premier League game.
Ten Hag said: “Fragile, because we didn't take the chances. I think we should have scored many more goals. The only thing we didn't do well was be clinical. Today we could have scored five goals, easily.
“But we are very happy with our recruitment and that we recruited the right character with Rasmus because he can perform under stress and when things go against him like in the first half of the season. He has the ability and a strong character to be resilient and to be determined to score goals and that is what we saw when we scouted him.
“Of course he needed support, it was not so easy but in general he kept calm and now you see his abilities but also I want to mention that he did not have much luck. He scored some goals, but the one against Brighton in his first game and no-one still knows why.
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“Those moments are very important when you come in a new league, especially for a striker when they are not given but he is a fighter and he keeps going, has great abilities in front of the goal.”
Ten Hag admitted that he took off Brazil midfielder Casemiro - who was booked for the eighth time in ten games - and Harry Maguire at half time to stop them each getting a second yellow card. Ten Hag added: “I think the game was going in that direction – there was a lot of pressure on the referee – they were both at risk for another booking.
What did you make of Manchester United's performance? Have your say in the comments section
Casemiro and Harry Maguire were withdrawn at half-time after early bookings (Getty Images)"We had replacements in Scott McTominay and Jonny Evans, so that’s why we took them off, because we didn’t want that risk. Even when Casemiro is not touching opponents he gets booked. Often on the first offence as well.
"Today was similar: I think the first booking was so unfair; the second the ref could have given, that’s why I took him off. It’s difficult to play when you don’t even touch an opponent and get booked.”
Luton boss Rob Edwards said: “Losing your No9 and going 1-0 down after 40 seconds is not an ideal way to start. Then going 2-0 down makes you fear the worst.
“But credit to the players for the way they came back, but we just could not find the second goal. We are disappointed because we could not find the second one. The fact Casemiro came off at half time probably tells you. Maybe they got away with one there.”
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