Man Utd pay dearly for victory over Luton Town

Man Utd's 1-0 victory over Luton Town in round 12 of the Premier League was not complete when Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund left the field early due to injury.

At the end of the first half, Eriksen sat down on the field after falling without colliding with anyone. After a few minutes, the 31-year-old midfielder left the field to make way for Mason Mount - the $76 million rookie who was given the legendary number 7 shirt.

In the 79th minute, it was Hojlund's turn to sit down and rub his hamstring. The 20-year-old striker did not limp as he made way for Anthony Martial, but his early departure was still worrying.

In the post-match press conference, Ten Hag did not know the specific situation and had to wait for the results of medical tests to determine the problem in the next 24 hours. According to the Dutch coach, Eriksen and Hojlund are not seriously injured, but they continue to cause Man Utd to have difficulty in terms of personnel. Previously, Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw were injured and Jadon Sancho was disciplined.

Man Utd doctors tend to Hojlund when the Danish striker was injured near the end of the win over Luton Town at Old Trafford in the 12th round of the Premier League on November 11. Photo: EPA

Coach Ten Hag encourages Hojlund after the Danish striker left the field. Photo: AFP

"We have talked about it many times. The injuries have brought down the level and performance of the whole team. But hopefully, the players will come back and the new injuries are not too bad," said Ten Hag.

When asked more about Eriksen's injury, the Dutch coach replied: "He slipped but that's it. We have to evaluate, diagnose, conclude and then understand the situation."

Eriksen and Hojlund are both called up for Denmark's final two matches against Slovenia on November 17 and Northern Ireland on November 20 in Group H of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Denmark are currently second on 19 points, behind Slovenia on goal difference and four ahead of Kazakhstan. They will secure a place in Euro 2024 if they win either of their next two matches.

Ten Hag said it was too early to say whether Eriksen and Hojlund would be able to join the national team. "It could happen," the 53-year-old coach admitted. "But I can't make an accurate assessment now. We have to wait and see what the conclusion is."

Eriksen (second from left) was injured before having to leave the field. Photo: AFP

Ten Hag was booked in stoppage time in the win over Luton Town for complaining about the referee awarding a throw-in to his opponents. Having picked up his third yellow card in the Premier League this season, the Dutchman will be banned from directing from the touchline in the next game, away to Everton on 26 November.

Ten Hag accepted the punishment and believes the coaching staff are capable of taking over his duties. The 53-year-old insisted he was close to the incident and that the referee was wrong to award a throw-in to Luton Town. "Everything was clear and it should have been a Man Utd throw-in. That was my view, and therefore I was booked."

Asked if he would punish himself for getting a card, Ten Hag replied: "If players get a red card, they can be punished. But not with a yellow card. There are certain times when you have to accept decisions, and I should do the same."

Hong Duy

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