Rasmus Hojlund’s early double proved enough to secure Manchester United an absorbing 2-1 Premier League victory at Luton Town on Sunday and push them closer to the battle for the top four.
In-form Danish striker Hojlund pounced on a defensive error to give United the lead after 37 seconds and then made it 2-0 with only seven minutes on the clock to put his side in control.
The 21-year-old has now scored in six successive Premier League games — the youngest player ever to do so.
Relegation battlers Luton dusted themselves down from Hojlund’s early salvo though and responded with Carlton Morris’s brave header halving the deficit in the 14th minute.
The only surprise then in a wide-open game was that there were no more goals as both sides carved out good chances.
Sixth-placed United were guilty of wasting several gilt-edged opportunities in the second half while Luton’s Ross Barkley headed against the crossbar in stoppage time.
United’s fourth successive league win put them on 44 points from 25 games, five points behind Aston Villa who are fourth.
Hojlund took until December to score his first Premier League goal since United paid 72 million pounds ($90.71 million) to sign him from Italian club Atalanta in August.
But he is now paying back that transfer fee, taking the heat off manager Erik ten Hag and helping United make a strong charge towards qualification for the Champions League.
“We recruited him on character and knew he was a strong character,” Ten Hag said. “He can perform under stress and that’s a skill you need as a United striker.
“You see it now, he has a lot of confidence and I’m sure he will score a lot more.”
His opening goal at Kenilworth Road was the typical poacher’s effort, seizing on a terrible back pass by Amari’i Bell before rounding keeper Thomas Kaminski to score.
United were completely dominant in the early exchanges and camped in Luton’s half and doubled their lead when Alejandro Garnacho volleyed towards goal and Hojlund cleverly deflected the ball past Kaminski with his chest.
At that stage United looked capable of running up a cricket score but Luton came to their senses and got back into the game when Morris dived to head in after Tahith Chong’s attempted shot at goal bounced up and he beat Andre Onana to the ball.
With Luton’s confidence restored they had chances to level before halftime with Morris and Alfie Doughty both shooting narrowly wide of the target.
Casemiro was booked for United in the first half and was involved in several other questionable tackles and was substituted along with Harry Maguire at halftime.
United really should have secured the victory in the second half with Marcus Rashford going close while both Bruno Fernandes and Garnacho failed to convert after going clear on goal with only Kaminski to beat.
Those missed opportunities almost cost United dear as the excellent Barkley almost nicked an equaliser.
Luton remain in 17th place with 20 points from 24 games although Everton could climb above them if they get a point against Crystal Palace on Monday.
“You can’t give United a two-goal lead like that and we gave ourselves a mountain to climb,” manager Rob Edwards said.
“We gave it a good go and believed in what we do. Pleased with how we responded and how brave we were.”
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.
