Man Utd predicted line-up vs Luton Town: Erik ten Hag sweats on Luke Shaw fitness amid injury dilemma

Manchester United are aiming to maintain their pressure on the Champions League places against Luton Town this weekend. Do not let the intimate setting fool you… Kenilworth Road has proven a banana skin for several big hitters in the Premier League.

Both Manchester City and Liverpool trailed Rob Edward’s men, with the latter relying on a last-minute equaliser to spare their blushes. Newcastle United were also beaten when they travelled to Luton in December.

The Red Devils know another win could move them to within two points of Aston Villa in fifth - a position that may guarantee a Champions League spot next season. But what about injuries?

And how will Erik ten Hag line up? The United boss has several players on the treatment table - as has been the case all season. Here is your 3AddedMinutes predicted starting XI for the trip to the Hatters.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Man United’s defence was peppered at Villa and, for the most part, held firm. Andre Onana displayed his best performance since arriving, with Harry Maguire also earning praise.

One area of contention is £30m man Luke Shaw as he hobbled off at half-time against Villa. That was understood to have been precautionary but does give Ten Hag food for thought. As it stands, he makes the cut in this team. Lisandro Martinez (knee) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring) remain sidelined. 

Midfield

Man United have won three on the bounce since Casemiro returned to the side. Expect the veteran campaigner to glue the midfield together at Luton again. In support, the Red Devils are also likely to remain unchanged from the Villa clash. Kobbie Mainoo continues to impress and is reportedly on the cusp of an England call-up.

That defensive solidity allows Bruno Fernandes the freedom to make United tick in the number 10 role. He will be looking to make an impact in a game where Ten Hag’s men will expect to dominate possession.

Attack

Similarly to midfield, the frontline has also started to click in recent games. Rasmus Hojlund has netted in his last five games to silence the transfer critics. Marcus Rashford, too, is starting to look like his old self on the left flank while Alejandro Garnacho has been United’s player of the season so far. Antony and Amad Diallo give Ten Hag options to turn to from the bench, with Anthony Martial injury until mid-March.

Predicted XI

Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes; Garnacho, Rashford, Hojlund