Højlund quick off the mark to maintain United's momentum

The bottom line from a suitably intense, frayed encounter is that the clouds around Manchester United are clearing.

- Nick Ames

This was their fourth league win in a row and it offered the latest confirmation that, in Rasmus Højlund, they have a centre-forward worthy of the handsome investment paid to Atalanta last summer.

When Højlund converted twice in the first seven minutes United appeared to have laid the platform for a straightforward evening. It is to Luton's huge credit, and a reflection of the lessons Erik ten Hag's side must still learn, that it did not materialise. They responded through Carlton Morris and such was their application thereafter that nobody could have complained if Ross Barkley's header had looped in, rather than clip the crossbar, for a sensational equaliser in the final minute of added time.

United could not have objected, either, if Casemiro had been sent off before the break during a period when Luton had the wind in their sails. Casemiro had already been booked when he went through the back of Barkley and it seemed lenient on David Coote's part that he opted not to apply further punishment. It was little surprise to see Casemiro and Harry Maguire, who endured a torrid opening period and received a yellow card for hacking Morris down, removed at half-time and United were largely more stable thereafter.