Manchester United oversaw a crucial 1-0 win over Luton Town yesterday, marking back-to-back Premier League wins and a fourth victory in five games.
The three points against the Hatters saw United move up to sixth in the table and they now sit one point ahead of fellow top-four challengers Newcastle United, following their 2-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday evening.
Erik ten Hag’s side will enter the international break with morale considerably higher than at other points this season, but they must look to build consistency when they return to action. There are some absolutely pivotal fixtures coming up over the festive period and United’s position in Europe, whether they progress in the Champions League or are knocked out at the group stage, will be determined by Christmas.
In terms of the league, the Reds will tackle troublesome away days such as St. James’ Park (December 2) and Liverpool at Anfield (December 17), the latter of which they must avoid a humiliation like they endured in March, as well as a home clash with the in-form, rampant Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
Maguire shares his verdict on United’s form
Harry Maguire, who has silenced his doubters and become a mainstay in the starting 11 as of late, gave his verdict on the Luton win and looked ahead at what’s to come for United.
“Obviously it’s nice for the attackers to score numerous amounts of goals, they did last season. Rashy [Marcus Rashford] got loads last year, and we probably should have chipped in a little bit more, us defenders, but it’s important,” the defender told MUTV.
“We’ve won the game [against Luton] from probably a second phase of a set-play, so they’re important. I think, this year, we’ve improved on them because, in my time at this club, we haven’t been good enough at attacking set-plays.
“We can improve a lot more, for sure. We had a slow start to the season, but I think our form is slightly turning around. We’ve got a big game in the Champions League coming up at Galatasaray. But we’ve got to play like we did in Copenhagen and in the Premier League, the next game, Everton, another tough game, physical game, and we’ve got to make sure we’re ready.”
