'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester United kicked off their Carabao Cup 2020/21 campaign with a well-deserved 3-0 victory against Championship side Luton Town.
Many of Manchester United's second-string players received a go and would hope to convince Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for a run in the preferred XI. In fact, the Norwegian named a side with ten changes from their last outing, a 3-1 loss at home to Crystal palace, against Luton. Skipper Harry Maguire was the only player to have remained in the XI.
The record Premier League champions endured a relatively lacklustre first 45 minutes with the exception of a powerfully dispatched Juan Mata penalty. It was far from a comfortable victory for the Red Devils, despite what the scoreline might suggest.
The second half finished with a late flurry as goals from substitutes Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood effectively killed the tie. The introduction of the English pair alongside Bruno Fernandes was enough to see off their Championship opposition.
The Hatters left an excellent account of themselves and lived up to their billing of being one of the most in-form teams in the second tier of English football. They lost just one game before this game since former Luton player and manager Nathan Jones returned to the club earlier in 2020. Although they did not manage to cut open the visitors' defence, Luton proved to be a notoriously tricky unit to break down.
Here, we take a look at the major talking points from Manchester United's 1-0 win over Nathan Jones' high-flying Luton Town.
#5 More evidence to suggest Solskjaer needs to ditch his preferred system
Since being appointed as the manager of Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown great tactical versatility and changed systems based on opposition sides. The former striker has utilised various formations, but generally speaking, he has shown an affinity to a 4-2-3-1 system.
However, tonight's performance was another game that showed that it is, perhaps, time to do away with the double pivot in midfield in favour of a more expensive style of play. Earlier on into Solskjaer's tenure at Old Trafford, the employed a three-man midfield, affording the likes of Paul Pogba and other creative-minded players more freedom moving forward.
Against Luton, all of United's midfielders were congested in central areas, leaving the team far too open on the wings. A system such as the 4-3-3 would allow for more expansive play through the middle and intricate, exciting sequences of wing play as well. A lack of incision from wide areas blunted United in the first half of the game, and it is something that the 47-year-old would undoubtedly look to address.
#4 Strength in depth a pressing concern for the Red Devils
Manchester United suffered a noticeable burnout towards the end of the last campaign. After a few flying results post-lockdown, a lack of able deputies for the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial, and other key figures led to players tiring out towards the end and this impacted their performance levels.
Heading into a new campaign, particularly with UEFA Champions League football to be played, this was an issue that needed to be dealt with in the transfer market. However, with the window set to close in just under two weeks, United's squad remains thin and in need of several upgrades. And this remains to be the case not only in terms of quantity, but in terms of quality.
Donny van de Beek has been their only summer signing so far, and the Dutchman will provide a natural alternative to creator-in-chief Bruno Fernandes. However, the lack of talented deputies — particularly in attack — is something that will undoubtedly come back to haunt the Red Devils. The likes of Odion Ighalo, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, and a few others from the starting XI against Luton are players that either need to be moved on by the club or upgraded upon in the near future.
#3 Dean Henderson passes first test en route Manchester United dream
A lot has been made about Manchester United's goalkeeper scenario this summer. Academy product and lifelong Red Devils fan Dean Henderson has spent a handful of years out on loan in the hope of returning to the club and becoming the first-choice keeper.
After a magnificent couple of campaigns on loan at Sheffield United, the Englishman decided to return to his boyhood club to fight it out with David de Gea for the number one spot. On his official debut for the club, all eyes were on him, and it's safe to say that he didn't disappoint.
There were reportedly concerns over Henderson's concentration playing for a club like Manchester United who generally keep the ball for longer periods than the Blades. However, the 25-year-old put those reservations to rest with a superb display on his debut. Although Henderson didn't have much to do, there was a particular moment towards the end of the game when Luton threatened to equalise with a towering header towards his near post.
The Englishman made a majestic save to deny the Hatters the leveller and would see his side triple their lead less than ten minutes later. It was a quiet yet solid start for the keeper, helping him draw immense praise for his performance from Solskjaer as well.
#2 Donny van de Beek's dynamism gives United an edge
United's only summer signing so far, Donny van de Beek, got off to an impressive start to life as a Red Devil with a well-taken goal on his debut against Crystal Palace. He impressed during his 25-minute cameo against the Eagles and today; the Dutchman delivered further evidence of his lethal movement in the final third.
The former Ajax man injected a sense of unpredictability to United's play in the attacking third of the pitch. His dummies, backheels, and quick flicks in the final third opened up multiple shooting avenues for his teammates.
Another impressive quality the 23-year-old displayed was his ability to drag defenders out of position with his constant movement in the opposition half. With his blind-sided runs taking defenders out of play, Van de Beek helps his teammates by creating acres of space for them to exploit. Although he is yet to settle in fully and adapt to his new surroundings, the early signs are extremely promising for the Manchester United man.
#1 Greenwood and Rashford raring to go
Several players had a game to forget against Crystal Palace in their season opener, and Marcus Rashford was certainly one of them. The Englishman is fresh off an ankle injury that kept him out of national duty and is still some way off his goalscoring form from last year.
After a dire performance on the weekend, during which he failed to register even a shot against the Eagles, Rashford came on for a brief eleven-minute cameo and put the game to bed. His smart finish was a much-needed goal for the 22-year-old, who looked out of sorts and needed time to shake off the pre-season rustiness.
Mason Greenwood, on the other hand, made headlines for all the wrong reasons during his endeavour with England ahead of the league campaign. Despite the off-field controversy, the teenage wonderkid returned to action with a brief cameo against Luton and looked as sharp as ever. His goal was superbly taken as he rifled the ball past a helpless James Shea after already creating Marcus Rashford's goal with a great touch.
The 18-year-old would hope to put his embarssing off-field antics behind him with another memorable campaign for Manchester United.
Also read: 10 Most expensive footballers from famous footballing nations
