20 February 2024 , 03:00
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Manchester United kept up their winning run at Luton but their victory didn't come without more questions.
Erik ten Hag has found a positive formula in recent weeks as his side continue to climb the table, but their performances often pose as many questions as they do answers. Luton may have felt aggrieved not to snatch a draw on Sunday despite going 2-0 down early on.
Off the pitch Sir Jim Ratcliffe's influence continues to be shown with the Ineos billionaire now looking to land Dan Ashworth from Newcastle. Already though the Magpies have begun putting up a serious fight as they look to put United's plan on hold with the saga seemingly only just beginning.
Here's the latest from Manchester.
Scholes' "weird" criticism
Paul Scholes has labelled United as a “weird” outfit despite making it four league wins on the bounce at Luton.
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The Red Devils initially looked as though they were en route to a comprehensive win after Hojlund scored twice in the opening 10 minutes. United had a host of chances to add to their lead, only for Carlton Morris to reduce the deficit. From then on, Luton dominated large periods of the game and might have felt unfortunate not to have earned at least a point, hitting the bar late on.
Scholes gave his verdict on the game and suggested that United were equally deserving of a thumping victory, as well as a big defeat. Taking to social media, he wrote: “Weird team United… I reckon they could be the only team that could win 5-0 and get hammered.”
Paul Scholes was not convinced by Man United's win vs Luton (Getty Images)Ashworth access blocked
Newcastle have blocked Ashworth's access to their club computer programmes and scouting reports after being left furious with his request to join the Manchester revolution.
The highly thought of sporting director is Ratcliffe's No.1 choice to take up the same role at Old Trafford, but the Magpies will demand a hefty compensation fee worth a reported £20million. Newcastle executives have been left angered by the siutation and have placed the former Brighton chief on gardening leave, with his contract not expiring until 2026.
On Sunday, Ashworth informed his superiors at St James' Park that he wants to join the Red Devils ahead of the summer transfer window. According to the Times, Newcastle chiefs were so furious that they immediately blocked Ashworth's access to the club's computer programmes and scouting reports.
Dan Ashworth has not yet been at Newcastle for two years (Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)Casemiro treated criticised
Ten Hag has hit out at the treatment of Casemiro by Premier League referees after he found himself in the book once again.
He picked up a fourth yellow card of the season in the win at Luton but Ten Hag was forced to replace Casemiro before the second period of the game for fear of his charge being unfairly sent off. The Brazilian was lucky to escape a red when he committed a cynical foul when on a yellow at Kenilworth Road.
"Even when he is not touching opponents he gets booked,” Ten Hag said. "Often the first moment of the game. I think it’s crazy and it was so unfair that first booking. That second could have been so that’s why I took him off. He touches an opponent and he gets booked."
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