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The use of technology in football has been on the increase over the past few years but none seems to create as much heated debate and questioning as that of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). By and large, it is felt that minor and visible calls are improved across the course of the season with on-pitch referees getting extra help. However, there have been several high-profile incidents of late that have led to clubs, or personnel within them, complaining about the eventual decision or decision-making process, with the most recent coming in the Champions League. Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag felt aggrieved that a number of calls went against them in their 4-3 defeat to FC Copenhagen, including a decision to send off Marcus Rashford for serious foul play. Here’s everything on VAR you need to know, including the latest causes for complaint against it. What has gone wrong? Most recently, Man United complained about Rashford’s red card, given out for stepping across and onto the foot and shin of an opponent in a Champions League encounter. Ten Hag insisted his side had seen three “very debatable” penalties go against them in four games and called his forward’s sending off “very harsh”. In domestic football, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta complained over “unacceptable” errors from on-pitch and VAR officials as his team lost to Newcastle, while Wolves boss Gary O’Neil labelled a penalty decision given against his team and upheld by VAR as “scandalous” - also against Newcastle. Ange Postecoglou suggested recently that clubs have to shoulder part of the blame for long stoppages for VAR, saying: “Some of it is self inflicted because if we come out every week complaining about decisions that is what will happen, every decision gets forensically checked and we will be sitting around for a long time in every game trying to figure out what is going on.” However, it must be noted that the vast majority of these are subjective opinions and where Arteta sees fault, another manager, supporter or, indeed, official may see justification in decision. One incident which was not subjective, but instead a quite clear mistake, came with Luis Diaz’s goal for Liverpool against Tottenham being ruled out for offside and then allowed to stay disallowed, despite the VAR officials running their processes and showing the forward was onside. The “significant human error” came as a result of the official, Darren England, appearing to forget that offside rather than a goal had been awarded in the first place. To another extreme, Millie Bright criticised the fact there was no VAR in the first edition of the Women’s Nations League, after a clearly offside goal was allowed to stand against England which would have been simple to rule out. Further clear VAR errors which PGMOL have had to apologise for include no penalty being awarded to Wolves against Man United after Andre Onana clattered Sasa Kalajdzic, a Brentford goal against Arsenal not being checked properly with no offside lines drawn and a West Ham late equaliser being ruled out for a foul, where none was apparent. What has gone right? In truth, a lot. It’s overlooked when three or four calls are spot-on, when one causes serious complaint or at least is a subjective call which a majority seem to disagree with. As an example, in the incident-packed Tottenham vs Chelsea fixture, several goals were correctly ruled out for offside through use - or checking - of VAR and the penalty awarded which saw Cristian Romero sent off was also a result of VAR intervention. Generally speaking, these calls that are widely accepted as correct do not get highlighted, partially because the technology exists for that very reason: it’s expected to help officials make the right calls with a second look. That doesn’t mean they don’t occur, though. The Premier League reported that 82 per cent of decisions were correct in the season before VAR was introduced, rising to 94 per cent being correct in 2019/20. What is the process for VAR checks? From the Premier League website: VAR will be used only for “clear and obvious errors” or “serious missed incidents” in four match-changing situations: goals; penalty decisions; direct red-card incidents; and mistaken identity. When any of those match situations occur or potentially occur, VAR is constantly rewatching and monitoring match footage from the hub at Stockley Park. If there is a decision to be made, the VAR or Assistant VAR (AVAR) will relay to the referee that play should be halted while checks are made, before recommending either an overturn, a pitchside check of the monitor for the ref or a continuation of play with the on-pitch original decision. The video officials have until the ball goes dead to inform the referee that a check is underway if play is already ongoing. The referee can then either check the monitor or accept the VAR recommendation. Upon reviewing the pitchside monitor, they may then stick with their own initial assessment or overturn the original, before communicating their new decision to the crowd. What have PGMOL said? The refereeing chief of Professional Game Match Officials Limited, Howard Webb, took over the role last year to improve the standard of officiating in the English game and to help oversee a smoother use of technology. PGMOL confirmed to the League Managers’ Association “they are actively looking at how best to incorporate VARs into match-day refereeing teams, to ensure the dynamic between on-field referee and VAR is conducive to producing positive outcomes.” After the Diaz incident, the organisation “acknowledge[d] a significant human error occurred” and brought in additional processes to ensure no repeat happened. They also released the audio of that incident, an “unusual step” according to Webb, “to show everybody what was very quickly pretty apparent to us, a human error and loss of concentration.” Webb has suggested the pool of VAR-specific officials will be increased but Lee Mason presents a cautionary tale. The former referee was appointed a full-time VAR for 2022/23, but departed the role last season after the aforementioned error over Brentford’s goal against Arsenal. Mason, who had already been stood down from the officiating list that campaign previously for wrongly disallowing a Newcastle goal, was labelled a “serial offender” by ex-PGMOL boss Keith Hackett - however, at the start of the current campaign, Mason was re-hired as a referees’ coach for the lower leagues. It is not thought he has ongoing work with VAR but that has not been confirmed by PGMOL, nor why his credentials are suited to guiding less-experienced officials despite having been removed from his post already. Read More What is VAR, how does it work and what are the biggest problems? Mikel Arteta: ‘I’m completely with referees’ Mauricio Pochettino learned lessons from famous battle to mature as manager Unai Emery acknowledges good fortune opened the door for Villa’s victory ‘Great result’ cheers David Moyes as West Ham have another good European night Liverpool angered by VAR as Jarell Quansah goal ruled out in Europa League defeat

Erik ten Hag will serve a one-match touchline ban after getting his third booking of the season in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Luton. The Dutchman, who also got yellow cards in the defeats to Arsenal and Tottenham, will be forced to watch United’s game against Everton on 26 November from the stands. Ten Hag was cautioned for dissent in injury time at Old Trafford against Luton for disputing the award of a throw-in. He said: “So that was about a moment so clear, a throw-in, but it was the second time. I was on top of it and it was so clear and obvious our ball, it was my remark therefore I got booked.” But he accepted he may have been wrong to argue, adding: “There is a certain point you have to accept decisions, what I should do as well.” Ten Hag believes his assistants, including former England manager Steve McClaren, will cope in his absence at Goodison Park. He added: “We have a very competent coaching staff and they will take over.” United face an anxious wait to see if Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen have joined their lengthy injury list after coming off against Luton. Striker Hojlund seemed to have a hamstring problem and Ten Hag said: “We do an assessment but have to wait for 24 hours to see what is the conclusion. Give them, the medical [team], 24 hours to see what is the problem, if there is a problem.” Ten Hag claimed United are in a fine position in the Premier League, considering the injury problems that have interrupted their season, and feels they can make up ground on rivals when they lose players. “Now we won our last four games of five games in the Premier League, which is good. We are in quite a good position if you see all the trouble we had, we are in a very good position,” he explained. “That is a reason to be optimistic. 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 when we get it done a team is set for a couple of weeks and months [and] also other teams will get their setbacks and drop points.” Read More Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag urges team to become more clinical Man United produce the bare minimum to avoid embarrassment against Luton Man United v Luton LIVE: Result and reaction from crucial Premier League clash

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Kieran Trippier confronted angry Newcastle fans following their 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth. The injury-hit Magpies were downed by Dominic Solanke’s second-half double on the south coast. As the players went to applaud the travelling fans after the final whistle, England full-back Trippier was filmed on social media responding to a supporter by saying: “Are the lads not giving everything? How many injuries have we got?” Afterwards, Trippier played down the incident. He told Sky Sports: “The fans are emotional, they have travelled a long way. “I had a chat with one of them, saying we are giving everything and there’s no need to panic. “We got beat and we apologise for that result, but the lads are giving everything.” Manager Eddie Howe admitted he understood the fans’ frustrations. “Kieran is fine. Emotions run high,” he said. “We all feel a bit emotional after that from our perspective. We value all our away support, we value them greatly. We thank them for their support.” It was a nightmare return to Bournemouth for Howe, who saw his side’s seven-match unbeaten Premier League run end and their injury crisis deepen. The Magpies were already missing 11 players through injury and suspension after Callum Wilson injured a hamstring in the midweek defeat at Borussia Dortmund. Howe revealed Wilson will withdraw from the England squad and faces a spell on the sidelines. They then lost Miguel Almiron to another hamstring problem midway through the first half. The long casualty list meant a first Premier League start for 17-year-old Lewis Miley in central midfield. Such are Newcastle’s lack of options they ended the match with Ben Parkinson, an 18-year-old who had never previously made a first-team appearance, playing alone in attack. “It was a game where we couldn’t be where we needed to be for it and it was a tough watch. We were unrecognisable today,” added Howe, who was the Cherries manager the last time they beat Newcastle in 2017. I think we really deserved this win Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola “It was a real off day. There are reasons, but I don’t want to sit here and make excuses. I want to support the players.” The only surprise was that it took dominant Bournemouth an hour before they made the breakthrough. Joe Willock challenged Antoine Semenyo, the ball rolled off him into the path of Solanke who raced into the area and lashed his shot inside Nick Pope’s near post. Bournemouth doubled the lead from a corner, Solanke flicking the rebound home with his heel after Luis Sinisterra’s header hit a post. It secured only a second win of the season for Bournemouth and lifted them out of the bottom three. Boss Andoni Iraola said: “I think we really deserved this win. We played well and had good chances. Luckily we finished the job in the second half. “Dom has been very good for us. On the ball and off the ball, he helps his team-mates. He missed chances in the first half, but cleared his mind and continued playing the same way.” Read More She’s a tough cookie – Jodie Burrage backed to bounce back from nightmare debut Sean Dyche: Everton are starting to show belief on the road after latest win Mikel Arteta: ‘I’m completely with referees’ Jack Draper has grand ambitions for 2024 after falling short in Sofia Open final Matthew Mott admits some ageing England players face ‘line in the sand moment’ Ben Stokes and Joe Root give England hope of ending World Cup on a high

Eddie Howe’s return to AFC Bournemouth turned into a nightmare after Dominic Solanke’s double condemned Newcastle United to a 2-0 defeat. Howe, who was the Cherries manager the last time they beat Newcastle in 2017, saw his side’s seven-match unbeaten Premier League run end and their injury crisis deepen. The Magpies were already missing 11 players through injury and suspension after Callum Wilson tweaked a hamstring in the midweek defeat at Borussia Dortmund. They then lost Miguel Almiron to what looked like another hamstring problem midway through the first half. The long casualty list meant a first Premier League start for 17-year-old Lewis Miley in central midfield. Such are Newcastle’s lack of options they ended the match with Ben Parkinson, an 18-year-old who had never previously made a first-team appearance, playing alone in attack. It was therefore little surprise to see Bournemouth dominate the match, although they had to wait for an hour before Solanke finally made the breakthrough. Just 40 seconds had elapsed when Ryan Christie, who signed a new Cherries contract this week, tested Nick Pope with a drive from the edge of the area. It set the tone for the evening and moments later Antoine Semenyo burst through and forced as fine save from the Toon keeper, down low to his left. Bournemouth welcomed back Brazilian keeper Neto after a spell out injured and he had to be on his toes to tip over Sean Longstaff’s 20-yard shot from Newcastle’s only real attack. Solanke should have given the hosts the lead after he raced on to Semenyo’s ball over the top, but he delayed his shot and Jamaal Lascelles slid in to make a last-ditch block. Then Justin Kluivert, whose father Patrick played for Newcastle, let fly from 20 yards forcing Pope into another sharp save. With the visitors under the cosh, Pope saved again from Christie and Semenyo poked across goal and wide as they somehow made it to half-time goalless. Bournemouth almost fell behind after the break when Neto made a mess of Kieran Trippier’s free-kick, but Solanke was on hand to clear the danger. Solanke then went back to the day job at the other end of the pitch and promptly broke the deadlock. When Joe Willock challenged Semenyo, the ball rolled off him into the path of the former Liverpool striker, who raced into the area and lashed his shot inside Pope’s near post. Pope saved a fierce drive from Marcus Tavernier shot but Bournemouth doubled the lead from the following corner, Solanke flicking the rebound home with his heel after Luis Sinisterra’s header hit a post. It secured only a second win of the season for Bournemouth and lifted them out of the bottom three, while Newcastle head into the international break licking their wounds. Read More England head to Indonesia inspired by Under-17 World Cup winner Phil Foden Rumours: Man United could sell duo in January and Newcastle target midfield pair Never-say-die attitude gives Newcastle Champions League belief – Kieran Trippier Newcastle discover brutal truth – it’s so much harder in the Champions League Eddie Howe knows Newcastle need two wins to keep Champions League hopes alive Borussia Dortmund v Newcastle LIVE: Champions League result and reaction

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United need to start making life easier for themselves after his under-fire side secured a much-needed victory against promoted Luton before the international break. This has been a chastening second season in the dugout for the Dutchman, with Wednesday’s 4-3 Champions League collapse in Copenhagen making it nine defeats in just 17 matches. United could ill-afford another shock as Luton came to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, when a mixture of poor finishing and fine goalkeeping by Thomas Kaminski frustrated the hosts. Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garncho and Marcus Rashford all had good chances, but in the end defender Victor Lindelof was the unlikely match winner in a 1-0 Premier League triumph. “We could have made life more easy if you score goals, but we create many chances,” boss Ten Hag said. “First half, I observed four 100 per cent chances. If you get the first then you get the second, it becomes more easy. But if you don’t score, then you know they can always drop a ball in the box and you are in trouble. “So we had to fight to the end and it’s maybe not the prettiest, but I am happy we created many chances.” Asked if the lack of cutting edge is a confidence issue, Ten Hag said: “I don’t think it is particularly a confidence thing because Rasmus Hojlund scored five goals in the Champions League. “He came full of confidence into this game and it will come. Rashford scored 30 goals last season. Obviously he’s now not scoring but there will come a day he starts scoring again. “I think the other offensive players like Garnacho, they are capable of scoring goals, so it will come. “But what is good, we already have 13 different goalscorers in our team, so it expresses the way we want to play football. “Everyone is attacking, everyone is defending, and also defenders with us can score goals.” Ten Hag will be hoping this victory did not come at too great a cost, with Hojlund and Christian Eriksen limping off and requiring further assessment once their respective issues have settled down. The United boss will be hoping the Danish duo are available in a fortnight’s time when they return from the international break with a Premier League trip to Everton. It is a match Ten Hag will serve a touchline ban for after collecting his third booking of the season in stoppage time. “So it was about a moment so clear, a throw-in, but it was the second time,” the United manager said. “I was on top of it. It was so clear and obvious our ball. It was my remark, so therefore I got booked. “We have a very competent coaching staff and they will take over of course (at Everton). “Until a certain point I can be involved but, as I say, my coaching staff is very competent.” United head into November’s break on 21 points from 12 matches – a perhaps surprising return given their poor performances to date. Ten Hag’s side will be desperate to kick on after the internationals, as will Luton after winning just one match since promotion via the play-offs. Rob Edwards’ side conceded late on in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool and produced another promising performance at Old Trafford. “Obviously we’re disappointed not to get anything from the game,” the Town boss said. “I want to be on more points but in terms of where we are, we are in the fight that we thought we would be in – and everybody probably thought we were going to be in that. “But we are progressing and improving in the way I hoped. “I think we learned pretty quickly after the first two games and since then I think we’ve been harder to beat.” Read More Ten Hag to serve one-match ban after third booking for Manchester United Man United produce the bare minimum to avoid embarrassment against Luton Man United v Luton LIVE: Result and reaction from crucial Premier League clash Mauricio Pochettino: Easier for new players at Man City than ‘evolving’ Chelsea Harry Maguire ‘showing he can do the job’ – Erik ten Hag Ten Hag ‘not happy’ with Rashford’s Manchester United form

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Sean Dyche praised Everton’s improved mentality away from home after he watched his side beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at Selhurst Park to make it back-to-back Premier League victories on the road. Twice in south London Everton surrendered their lead but neither time were they deterred and they finally nicked it with a goal from Idrissa Gueye four minutes from the end. Dyche, whose side beat West Ham at the London Stadium on their last Premier League away day, said he saw clear signs that his players are forging a mentality to win consistently away from Goodison Park. “Obviously topsy-turvy,” said Dyche. “We started so well, with a fantastic goal. They responded with a moment we should have dealt with earlier. They get a soft penalty from our point of view. “Then really it was a strange game after that. I don’t think anyone really gripped the first half, and second half (Palace) did. I thought they were very good. I think we had to work very hard. “I think the mentality I’m trying to work with the players on is the belief in finding different ways of winning games, and I think we’re showing that. “We had to do it last week against Brighton, so nearly won but got a good point. Then coming (to Palace) today. “Away form here was a big question mark when got here. We’re beginning to change the mentality towards these games. That was on show today.” Vitalii Mykolenko headed in Jack Harrison’s cross after only 55 seconds but Eberechi Eze, on his first start since returning from a hamstring injury, levelled from the penalty spot four minutes later. Abdoulaye Doucoure restored Everton’s lead minutes after the break, but again Palace fought back to level when Odsonne Edouard capitalised on James Tarkowski’s error to score. The hosts could not hold on to a point, though, as Gueye struck late to win it after latching on to Doucoure’s excellent through-ball. Mykolenko, who had a hand in Doucoure’s goal, put in one of his best performances in an Everton shirt and Dyche said he felt the Ukrainian’s progression encapsulated his side’s improved approach in recent weeks. “He’s beginning to mature into himself really as a player and in his Everton career,” he said. “I think he can defend, he’s beginning to show that he can go forwards, he wants to get into the right areas. “It’s a fantastic header and he’s nearly got a brace with a lovely strike, a controlled effort at goal.” Palace boss Roy Hodgson reflected on a match that ultimately slipped away from his side despite a gallant effort to twice recover from falling behind. “I’m sad, I’m frustrated,” he said. “Early goals in each half, we had to come from behind twice. “We had to work very hard to come from behind twice and put in a very good effort. We had a lot of the ball and worked hard to create those chances. “To then concede a third goal and lose the game, that’s hard to take.” Read More Manchester United need to make the most of their chances – Erik ten Hag Mikel Arteta: ‘I’m completely with referees’ Jack Draper has grand ambitions for 2024 after falling short in Sofia Open final Matthew Mott admits some ageing England players face ‘line in the sand moment’ Ben Stokes and Joe Root give England hope of ending World Cup on a high From Covid to the Copper Box: Maia Lumsden relishes her ‘unbelievable’ return

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Mikel Arteta made a point of praising the officials and VAR as 10-man Arsenal beat Burnley to move level with Premier League leaders Manchester City, Fabio Vieira was sent off late on for a high challenge on Josh Brownhill, who had earlier cancelled out a brave Leandro Trossard opener. But Arsenal had already secured the points by the time Vieira was dismissed, William Saliba heading them back in front before Oleksandr Zinchenko secured the points with an acrobatic volley. Arteta could yet face a Football Association charge after he criticised the officials during a 1-0 loss at Newcastle last week, having been asked to provide his observations having called the winning goal “embarrassing” and a “disgrace. Here, though, he was keen to play to the gallery and made sure he hammered home his praise of the referees. “With the red card… yes, VAR was right, he said. “The referee was right. Really good decision, really positive from Mikel to speak about that! Good decision.” He later added to talkSPORT: “Please ask me about VAR because today it was good. “I hope that I’m on TV saying the referees are so good and I’m completely with them and being very constructive.” Trossard was the difference-maker for the Gunners, the Belgium international once again starting as the central striker and breaking the deadlock with a close-range finish that saw him clatter into Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford and the post. He recovered to lay on the corner from which Saliba scored and it was another Trossard set-piece that led to Zinchenko’s fine scissor-kick. “I think he connects everybody. He’s so intelligent,” Arteta said of Trossard. “I think he moves in ways that attracts people that generates spaces and options for people. “Today he did that really good because it was so difficult and the spaces were so small to attack. He gave us a lot of threat and possibilities to connect and find spaces for us. “He put your body on the line if it’s necessary, and that was it. It’s the 1,000th goal at the Emirates – a beautiful number. “I’m very happy with him. I think every time you ask him to play whether it’s wide or as a nine, it flows and he has a real threat. So I’m really happy with him.” Burnley could end the weekend bottom of the table after a 10th defeat in 12 league games since their return to the top flight. But manager Vincent Kompany believes the Clarets continue to show resilience in their battle against the drop. “We were solid first half. To concede the way we conceded is avoidable. It’s football. Good teams are there for a reason,” he said. “Our team is as hard working as you like and resilient as you like. The club is filled with good, hard-working people. In the games we’re not expecting to have their level but we want to give ourselves a chance. This team wants to embrace this challenge.”

Everton beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at Selhurst Park as Idrissa Gueye’s goal four minutes from time capped a superb away performance from Sean Dyche’s team. Palace twice came from behind, with Eberechi Eze’s penalty quickly cancelling out Vitalii Mykolenko’s early opener and Odsonne Edouard capitalising on a howler from James Tarkowski to level up after Abdoulaye Doucoure’s goal. But they had no answer a third time after Gueye kept his cool to seal victory and propel his side to consecutive away wins. It all came after an electric start. Palace failed to clear their lines as Mykolenko’s shot was blocked, and as the ball broke wide on the right the Ukrainian found space inside the box and climbed highest to nod Jack Harrison’s cross past Sam Johnstone after just 55 seconds. Palace fans may have been stunned but their team quickly hit back. Within three minutes they were level, and it was Eze, back in the side after a hamstring injury, who danced into Everton’s box and drew a foul from Jarrad Branthwaite. VAR checked and saw no reason to overturn referee Sam Barrott’s penalty award, leaving the Eze the task of calmly rolling the ball past Jordan Pickford. Selhurst Park howled for a second spot-kick when Eze again went down under apparent pressure inside the box. This time the referee deemed the forward had dived, and rather than a penalty, a yellow card was Eze’s reward. Edouard forced Pickford into a save low to his right in added time at the end of the half in what was a rare instance of attacking threat from the home team. Everton had won three of their previous six in the league, and after the frustration of failing to hold on to their early lead they began the second half in similarly urgent fashion. A corner from the visitors’ right was cleared only to the edge of the box, where Amadou Onana scooped the ball square to Mykolenko. For the second time in the game he was given too much time to line up an effort on goal, and as his volley cannoned back off a post there was Doucoure unmarked to tap home. The advantage looked fragile. On the hour mark, Mykolenko and Gueye almost produced a comical own-goal, getting in one another’s way as Jeffrey Schlupp’s cross dropped into the box and they required Pickford’s fingertips to keep them from bundling the ball over their own goal line. Edouard was growing as a threat and with 25 minutes to go he handed Jefferson Lerma a golden chance to level, coming inside from the left of the box and cutting the ball back, only for Lerma, free on the edge of the box, to fire wide. Michael Oliseh came off the bench for his first appearance of the season and drew a roar of anticipation from around Selhurst Park with a shot from 20 yards that deflected narrowly over. Palace were by now dominant, and their second equaliser came courtesy of a defensive calamity. A high, headed ball into the box looked an easy mop-up job for Tarkowski, but rather than nod it clear he left the ball for his goalkeeper, and in stole Edouard to tap home. Still Palace could not hold on to their point, and Everton roared back at them once more with four minutes to go, this time decisively. Doucoure received the ball in midfield and looked up to see Gueye racing through the centre. Doucoure’s pass was weighted expertly and Gueye needed barely to break stride as he evaded Tyrick Mitchell’s lunging challenge and guided it beyond Johnstone. Read More On this day in 2014: David Moyes appointed Real Sociedad head coach The inside story of Watford’s remarkable rise and football’s most unlikely bromance Brain injury charity Headway questions why Harry Maguire was allowed to play on Everton boss Sean Dyche and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi satisfied with a point Ashley Young’s own goal earns Brighton a point at Everton Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion LIVE: Latest Premier League updates

Victor Lindelof secured Manchester United a much-needed win heading into the international break but there is plenty of work to do after Erik ten Hag’s side edged past promoted Luton. The Dutchman’s second season in the hot-seat began with nine defeats in 17 matches, leading pressure to mount on a side looking to avoid a first ever Old Trafford defeat to the Hatters. But United bounced back from Wednesday’s Champions League disappointment in Copenhagen as Lindelof’s second-half strike proved enough to secure a 1-0 win against Rob Edwards’ well-drilled side. It was not the prettiest victory for Ten Hag’s under-fire team but felt key heading into the November internationals – a period when Sir Jim Ratcliffe could finalise a deal to become minority shareholder. There were protests against the Glazer family before kick-off and chants against the United owners throughout Saturday’s match, which saw Sir Alex Ferguson’s return after his wife’s death last month. The former United boss will have not enjoyed large periods of the game, but defender Lindelof – in for the injured Jonny Evans – at least ensured a forgettable afternoon ended with three points. Unfancied Luton were on the backfoot from the outset at Old Trafford, where thankfully there was no kind of grim chants like those heard during last week’s match against Liverpool. Luton boss Edwards stuck with the same side that impressively secured a 1-1 draw against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds and had to batten down the hatches early doors. Town goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski was an impressive last line of defence throughout and spread himself well to prevent Rasmus Hojlund scoring his first Premier League goal from a deflected Marcus Rashford cross. Scott McTominay headed over, Alejandro Garnacho curled over and Gabe Osho deflected a Rashford stinger just wide of his own goal as the one-way traffic continued. But United’s frustration grew as the half wore on. Chiedozie Ogbene’s shot from distance was easily dealt with, but Andre Onana had to be alert to brilliantly stop a powerful Carlton Morris header in the 36th minute. The United goalkeeper denied Andros Townsend’s hopeful follow-up and there were groans when dilly-dallying Garnacho was closed out at the other end. Injured Christian Eriksen had to be replaced by Mason Mount before half-time, with play continuing in much the same way after the break. Hojlund glanced a Bruno Fernandes free-kick across the face of goal four minutes after the restart and on top United finally made their pressure count in the 59th minute. Morris prodded a low Fernandes corner clear, but a deflection sent it to Mount and the substitute played it straight onto Rashford on the right-hand side of the box. The forward took a touch before driving in a ball that was stopped on the edge of the six-yard box, falling nicely for Lindelof to hammer home in front of the Stretford End. United should have wrapped up a much-needed victory 11 minutes later. Antony’s introduction in place of Garnacho was met by a smattering of boos but the often ineffective Brazil international did well to slip Rashford in. The 26-year-old looked well-placed to finish but fired straight at Kaminski – the kind of chance he would have buried last season. Injured Alfie Doughty had to be replaced as Luton sought a leveller, with Hojlund soon going off with an issue of his own. United managed the game well in the closing stages – not something they have been particularly known for. McTominay saw an effort stopped, Diogo Dalot drove over and Fernandes failed with a free-kick. Ten Hag was booked in stoppage time, which ended with home cheers. Read More Everton edge Crystal Palace in five-goal thriller Ben Stokes and Joe Root give England hope of ending World Cup on a high From Covid to the Copper Box: Maia Lumsden relishes her ‘unbelievable’ return On this day in 2015: Stuart Lancaster resigns as England head coach Mauricio Pochettino: Easier for new players at Man City than ‘evolving’ Chelsea Don’t worry about it – Ange Postecoglou brushes off series of Spurs setbacks