Erik ten Hag is feeling positive despite his side’s unconvincing performances – Getty Images/James Gill
Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United are in a “very good position” after a narrow 1-0 win over Luton Town despite a growing injury crisis.
After a troubled start to the campaign, United secured their fourth in five Premier League matches, moving them to within three points of the Champions League places and left Ten Hag feeling “optimistic” they will find their best form once he can start selecting a more settled side.
Yet victory – secured courtesy of a Victor Lindelof goal – came at a cost with striker Rasmus Hojlund and midfielder Christian Eriksen both being substituted with injuries that Ten Hag said would require close assessment over the next 24 hours.
With Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Tyrell Malacia and Amad Diallo all injured and the exiled Jadon Sancho still unavailable for selection, Ten Hag will hope Hojlund and Eriksen’s problems are not serious.
But Ten Hag said he was buoyed that United had been able to amass 21 points after a torrid past few months.
“Absolutely, even after all the setbacks we dealt with, we are still in a position near the top four,” the United manager said.
“When we start to play well and when we get … a team that is set for a couple of weeks and months… also other teams will get their setbacks and drop points.
“Now we won four of five games in the Premier League, which is good. We are in quite a good position if you see all the trouble we had. We are in a very good position.
The severity of the injury to Rasmus Hojlund remains to be seen – PA Wire/Martin Rickett
“That is a reason to be optimistic, looking forward in the future and a step up in performances. I think in the week [in the 4-3 defeat to Copenhagen] but also this [against Luton] creating a lot of chances, then we will move forward and get better performances and even more points.”
United face Everton at Goodison Park in their first game back after the international break but Ten Hag will be forced to watch from the stands after picking up a third booking of the season that earned him a one-match touchline ban.
The Dutchman was furious with the officials after a throw-in that he felt should have been awarded to United went against his team late on and vented his frustrations at the assistant referee.
“That was about a moment so clear – a throw-in, but it was the second time,” he said. “I was on top of it and it was so clear and obvious our ball, it was my remark therefore I got booked.
“There is a certain point you have to accept decisions, what I should do as well.”
Hojlund was seen holding his right hamstring before coming off 12 minutes from time and Eriksen, his Denmark team-mate, appeared to twist a knee in the first half after slipping.
“In this moment I can’t tell you anything about it [Hojlund’s injury] because I don’t know,” Ten Hag said. “We do an assessment but have to wait for 24 hours to see what is the conclusion. Give them, the medical [team], 24 hours to see what is the problem, if there is a problem.
“[Eriksen] slipped but it is the same. We have to do an assessment, set a diagnosis and then the conclusion. Then we will know where we are.”
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