It’s matchday once again as Manchester United make their way to Kenilworth Road to take on Luton Town.
The Red Devils Champions League charge appears back on the cards but three points against the Hatters will be required to keep that momentum. United have won three games on the bounce in the Premier League and Erik ten Hag will be keen to extend that record amidst Aston Villa’s stumbles ahead of them.
Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Luton, Ten Hag noted that it is too soon to say United have put their issues behind them. He believes his side still need to prove themselves worthy of being in the Champions League conversation.
He said: “First of all, I think it’s too quick to say we have turned a corner. We are not there yet, we are still not in a position to say so. We are back in the race, but not in the position we want to be at this club – that is a minimum of the top four – so we have to catch up and we are still doing that.”
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Luton will provide another opportunity for United. Mirror Football rounds up the latest news heading into that clash
Erik ten Hag’s transfer statement
The Old Trafford boss wants to see his side continue to be a buying club with the added influence of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. However, that does not mean he will step away from the ethos of providing academy players with opportunity when they deserve it.
The 54-year-old was asked if United wasted a fortune before his arrival: “I can’t tell because I wasn’t here. It is difficult to have an opinion about that.
“The only thing I know is Man United will always be a buying club – but I think history proves it always gives opportunities from the academy through to the first team if a player deserves it. It’s in the DNA. In my opinion, there were players who had the potential. We have given them the time to develop and progress.
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Robbie Jay Barratt/Getty Images)
“We have been mentoring them in their way through because we saw their potential was higher than the current squad in that moment and in those positions. You see when you give them the opportunity, they progress so quickly and bring the team to higher levels in the long-term.”
READ WHAT ELSE TEN HAG HAD TO SAY AHEAD OF THE GAME
Next Kobbie Mainoo
Raphael Varane believes that Man United youngster Willy Kambwala could follow in the footsteps of Kobbie Mainoo to become another first team regular. The 19-year-old central defender has already earned minutes in the Premier League and FA Cup this term and earned praise despite a 2-0 defeat to West Ham in December.
Kambwala has already left a positive impression on his 30-year-old teammate who believes he will earn more minutes with United. Much like with Mainoo, Varane believes the squad already trust Kambwala.
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He said: “He is showing his qualities. I think he will play more matches in the future and continue to improve. He is very young, but he is showing his qualities and we trust him. He has a great future.”
Luke Shaw injury wait
Manchester United will hope that the full-back is able to prove his fitness in time for Sunday’s match against Luton Town. Ten Hag admitted there were doubts over Shaw’s availability after he was forced off the field in United’s win over Aston Villa.
“He is doubtful for the weekend but we are positive he can make it,” said the Dutchman, “It was a precaution [to substitute him at Villa Park] and I think it was the right decision, especially when you, afterwards, win the game. But we are working to Sunday.”
Victor Lindelof appears to be the primary candidate to fill in if required. Shaw has been involved in first team training however.
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