Erik ten Hag admitted Manchester United needed their win over Luton but that their 21 points after having 16 players unavailable this season put the team in a “very good position” for a top-four finish.
The manager’s mood was not affected by his third yellow card of the season received towards the end of the game, which means he will serve a one‑match ban for the league visit to Everton after the international break.
Victor Lindelöf’s 59th-minute strike secured a fourth win from five Premier League games to leave United three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, who play on Sunday.
Ten Hag said: “Even after all the setbacks we dealt with, we are still in a position near the top four and when we start to play well and get a team that is set for weeks and months [then maybe] other teams will get their setbacks and drop points.
“Now we have won four games out of five in the Premier League, we are in quite a good position if you see all the trouble we had, we are in a very good position. That is a reason to be optimistic.
“We needed the win and we got it, but we could make life easier by scoring early on and getting a second. I am happy with [the winner] and I am happy with the clean sheet.”
Ten Hag, who lost Aaron Wan-Bissaka due to illness on the day, has further injury concerns regarding Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Højlund as each were forced off. Of Højlund the Dutchman said: “We’ll do an assessment but have to wait 24 hours to see if there is a problem.” Ten Hag offered a similar update on Eriksen. “He slipped but it is the same. We have to do a diagnosis and then the conclusion.”
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The manager explained why he drew a booking. “So that was about a throw [to us] but it was the second time it was so clear and obviously our ball – it was my remark so I get booked.”
Ten Hag has no concern about not being on the touchline at Goodison Park. “My coaching staff is very competent,” he said.
Rob Edwards, Luton’s manager, said: “We’re in the fight [in the league] I thought we would be. I see a lot of good things – what we have to do now is put this into points.”
