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Manchester City v Brentford: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

Jon Fisher
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Manchester City v Brentford: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

The State of Play

Manchester City cannot afford another slip up at the Etihad if they are to maintain their title push. Pep Guardiola’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea on Saturday night – ending a run of 11 successive wins in all competitions.

That result saw the defending champions fall four points behind leaders Liverpool, and two adrift of second-placed Arsenal, albeit City do have a game in hand.

Brentford were beaten 4-1 at home by Liverpool on Saturday and remain on the fringe of the relegation battle. Thomas Frank’s side are six points above the bottom three but mired in a run of three wins in their last 15 games in all competitions.

The Bees did the double over the treble winners last season but City won their most recent meeting, just over two weeks ago, 3-1 in London.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Pep plays it cool despite Chelsea draw
Stokes brushes off ‘Bazball’ criticism after England routed by India
Manchester United target Ashworth placed on gardening leave – reports

Team News

Manchester City will be without winger Jack Grealish – although Guardiola says his muscle injury sustained against FC Copenhagen is not as bad as first feared – and central defender Josko Gvardiol. Mateo Kovacic is available after being named on the bench against Chelsea.

Brentford will be without defender Ethan Pinnock for at least a month. The Bees are also without key men such as Rico Henry, Bryan Mbeumo and Aaron Hickey.

Expected Line-ups

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri; Foden, De Bruyne, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland

Brentford: Flekken; Collins, Ajer, Mee; Roerslev, Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Reguilon; Maupay, Toney

What they Said

Guardiola on suggestions the pressure is increased following the draw with Chelsea

“No. We have the same pressure tomorrow. The last 15 games, we won 13 and drew two and the ones we drew we had the same pressure to win the game. The pressure is the same, no difference. I understand the doubts of some people, but in general when you analyse the game, we were more than decent against Chelsea but I know our standards – it is not easy to sustain those for a long, long time, but we have done it. Maybe for 12 months, it’s not easy. If we had [won] 3-0 against Chelsea, the fire would be the same to win this next game. It’s not changed much, it’s always the same.”

Frank on the challenge of facing the European champions

“It’s odds against but we have to believe we can do something, get something out of the game. They are best team in the world right now. They won the treble last year, they are still right in the top of the Premier League. I know they are a few points behind Liverpool but it’s about where they are with three games to go. They are also in the mix to win the Champions League and have an incredible group of players. It is a big challenge but still only 11 players on the pitch so let’s see.”

When and How to Watch

This match will be played at the Etihad Stadium at 7.30pm (UK time) on Tuesday, February 19th but will not be televised live in the UK.

Prediction

It’s hard to see City failing to win back to back home games in the Premier League. Yes, Brentford have caused them problems over the last couple of seasons but City look too strong and will surely prove the Chelsea game was a blip.

Ivan Toney is, as always, the Brentford danger man, a point highlighted by Guardiola, but the visitors’ problem will be having enough quality possession to feed the England striker.

Expect City to win at a canter.

Manchester City: Pep playing it cool despite Chelsea draw

Jon Fisher
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Manchester City: Pep playing it cool despite Chelsea draw

Pep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions the pressure has ramped up on his Manchester City side following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

City slipped four points behind leaders Liverpool following the weekend stalemate, although they do have a game in hand which comes tomorrow night when Brentford visit the Etihad.

Read our other sports news stories here:
City Football Group announces Istanbul Basaksehir partnership
Stokes brushes off ‘Bazball’ criticism after England routed by India
Manchester United target Ashworth placed on gardening leave – reports

Guardiola insisted he was “more than satisfied” with his team and insisted the levels of pressure internally remained the same.

He said: “No. We have the same pressure tomorrow.

“The last 15 games, we won 13 and drew two and the ones we drew we had the same pressure to win the game. The pressure is the same, no difference.

“I understand the doubts of some people, but in general when you analyse the game, we were more than decent against Chelsea but I know our standards – it is not easy to sustain those for a long, long time, but we have done it. Maybe for 12 months, it’s not easy.

“If we had [won] 3-0 against Chelsea, the fire would be the same to win this next game. It’s not changed much, it’s always the same.”

The expectations around City remain huge given their treble success last season. Guardiola insists those levels of expectation are an “honour”, adding: “People demand from us because we are the only team to have achieved what we have achieved.

“We have to live with that. We know how difficult it is. It’s you [the media] who believes it is easy, not us.

“I have had this experience in my previous clubs, especially Barcelona. It is an honour. We know what it is and we have to continue doing what we are doing.

“It is about how we behave and perform – and I am the first to demand it [perfection] for 95 minutes, knowing it is impossible.”

Guardiola was asked about France captain Kylian Mbappe amid reports the club’s ownership group had met with representatives of the player, who will leave Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The former Barcelona boss was in no mood to ramp up the speculation, saying with a smile: “He is quite good. He has a future.”

Another striker that Guardiola is a fan of is Brentford’s Ivan Toney who scored twice in the corresponding fixture last season as the visitors won 2-1.

“He is so dangerous,” said Guardiola. “[With] long balls he is the master, how he uses his body.

“You can link with him, he is one of the best I have seen.”

City will be without defender Josko Gvardiol and winger Jack Grealish tomorrow night.

Dan Ashworth: Manchester United sporting director target placed on gardening leave by Newcastle – reports

Ben Miller
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Dan Ashworth: Manchester United sporting director target placed on gardening leave by Newcastle – reports

Manchester United target Dan Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle after telling the Magpies he wants to move to Old Trafford, according to reports.

Sporting director Ashworth has been heavily linked with United since the ratification last week of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the club, which will see the billionaire take over football operations at the club as part of a 25% stake.

Talks between the Premier League clubs have not started, a BBC Sport report said, adding that Newcastle want a fee of more than £10m to free Ashworth from his contract until 2025, with United “determined they will not be held to ransom”.

Ashworth’s price tag is £20m, according to The Athletic, which said United will not be “pressured” into paying an “unrealistic” sum.

Read our other sports news stories here:
City Football Group announces Istanbul Basaksehir partnership
Stokes brushes off ‘Bazball’ criticism after England routed by India
Rohit Sharma: India a ‘delight to watch’ in England triumph

The 52-year-old served three months’ gardening leave upon leaving Brighton for Newcastle in 2022, when those clubs eventually agreed a settlement to allow the former FA and West Brom technical boss to resume work.

Ratcliffe, whose Ineos group has paid more than £1 billion for its stake, is expected to oversee significant change at United, with a key role for Sir Dave Brailsford, the man best known for helping to revive British cycling, and Ashworth.

Ashworth to United ‘a difficult one’

Speaking on Friday, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said the club had received “no contact” from United.

“It’s been in the news a lot and usually that means something is going to happen,” added Howe.

“It’s an unusual situation – usually there is transfer speculation on players. This is different. Whatever happens, we want a quick resolution.

“It’s a difficult one. You need longevity in that role to see the fruits of your labour. It’s a long-term position.

“The people that have done it best in the Premier League have always had a period of stability.

“Change takes a long time at a football club to get the processes how you want them to be. Dan’s had a short time here.”

Signings overseen by Ashworth have included Moises Caicedo, who joined Brighton for £4.5m and went on to sign for Chelsea for a British-record £115m, and £60m Newcastle record signing Alexander Isak.

Six Nations 2024: Alex Mitchell out of England vs Scotland with knee injury

Ben Miller
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Six Nations 2024: Alex Mitchell out of England vs Scotland with knee injury

Alex Mitchell will miss England’s Six Nations match against Scotland on Saturday after suffering a knee injury during a training session at Twickenham.

Scrum-half Mitchell has started his country’s opening two wins of the tournament, scoring a second-half try in Italy and taking part in the home win over Wales.

England said Mitchell’s issue requires “investigation” and have called up Bristol scrum-half Harry Randall as cover.

Danny Care could replace Mitchell in the starting side for his 99th cap, while Ben Spencer is also a candidate.

Read our other sports news stories here:
City Football Group announces Istanbul Basaksehir partnership
Stokes brushes off ‘Bazball’ criticism after England routed by India
Rohit Sharma: India a ‘delight to watch’ in England triumph

Mitchell became first-choice for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup after being called up when Jack van Poortvliet suffered an ankle injury.

The 26-year-old has helped Northampton Saints to move top of the Gallagher Premiership this season, signing a contract extension in January.

The former Sale Sharks player, who has 13 caps, was training with the squad in front of 10,000 fans when he sustained the injury.

Six Nations 2024: Lawrence back in England squad

Steve Borthwick’s squad has been bolstered by the surprise return to of Ollie Lawrence.

Centre Lawrence was not initially named in the training group but has made good progress with a hip injury.

Borthwick will name his match squad on Thursday for the game at Murrayfield, where England will look to end a run of three successive defeats in the fixture.

England have eight points and are second in the table, two points behind Ireland and three ahead of Scotland.

England squad to face Scotland
Forwards: Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Alex Coles (Northampton Saints), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Joe Marler (Harlequins), George Martin (Leicester Tigers), Beno Obano (Bath Rugby), Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby), Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)

Backs: Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby), Max Ojomoh (Bath Rugby), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints), Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers), Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)

40% of UK Men Willing to Take Pay Cut for Content Creation Career Amid Financial Crunch

News Desk
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40% of UK Men Willing to Take Pay Cut for Content Creation Career Amid Financial Crunch

FATJOE‘s marketing analysis has brought to light a pivotal shift in the gig economy, with a significant portion of content creators opting to leave behind the predictability of 9-to-5 jobs during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The research, which surveyed 5,000 individuals across the UK aged 18 to 54, discovered that men are notably more inclined than women, at 40% versus 34%, to consider a 20% decrease in income for the chance to engage in content creation full-time.

Further analysis reveals that over half of the respondents (52%) identify as content creators, spanning 17% podcasters, 22% bloggers, and 12% influencers. Young adults in the 18-24 age group are predominantly drawn to influencing as a career (44%), while the 25-34 cohort shows a preference for blogging (35%).

The study also sheds light on the financial hurdles faced by aspiring full-time content creators, with a staggering 74% earning less than £1,000 annually from their side projects in content creation, and only 8% surpassing the £2,000 earnings mark over the past year.

In terms of regional earnings, London leads with 10% of content creators earning above £5,000, followed by Nottingham and Manchester where 5% of creators achieve similar earnings. Belfast and Norwich emerge as unexpected centres of digital creativity, with 67% and 60% of creators, respectively, earning between £500 and £999 last year. Southampton also stands out, with 17% of its content creators earning £2,000 to £4,999.

Reflecting on the findings, a FATJOE spokesperson stated: “This survey sheds light on the transformative role of content creation in the digital age. The willingness of individuals to trade traditional careers for a shot at full-time content creation reflects the evolving nature of work and income streams. The survey captures the pulse of a nation deeply immersed in the art of content creation and raises crucial questions about the future of work and the challenges these creators may face.”

Significant Increase in Female Patients Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Addiction: A Five-Year Rise of 16%

News Desk
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Significant Increase in Female Patients Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Addiction: A Five-Year Rise of 16%

Delamere, at the forefront of addiction rehabilitation services in the UK, has observed a noteworthy trend concerning alcohol addiction services. The latest figures reveal a growing trend of women seeking support for addiction issues, particularly those related to alcoholism.

Over the last half-decade, there has been a 16% increase in the number of women in the UK pursuing treatment for alcohol addiction. Specifically, at Delamere, there has been a considerable rise in the percentage of female clients seeking help for addiction, with the proportion growing from 28% in 2020 to nearly 37% by 2023.

Martin Preston, Founder & CEO of Delamere, shares his professional insights on these statistics, as well as offering counsel to women struggling with alcohol addiction.

Key findings:
  • Alcohol addiction admissions for women has grown by 16% over five years
  • Increase in women seeking rehabilitation over the last three years
  • In 2023, 44% of women found alcohol ‘very addictive’ vs 2% who found it ‘not addictive at all’
Alcohol addiction admissions for treatment for women soar
Reports from 2018 compared to 2022 show that the number of women in treatment for addiction across the UK has grown by 12%, with those seeking alcohol addiction services increasing by 16%. In 2022-2023, the addiction census revealed women are mainly seeking rehabilitation services for opiate (27.4%) and alcohol (40.7%) related issues.

Treatment for alcoholism services in the UK from the Adult Substance Misuse Treatment statistics:

2018-2019 (women) – 30,345
2022-2023 (women) – 35,144
+16% increase

More women are seeking help for addiction
Whilst men continue to dominate the demographic seeking rehabilitation services, Delamere admissions data from 2020 to 2023 shows a steady rise in women entering into addiction treatment over the past three years, growing from 28% to 36.9%.
% of female guests in treatment at Delamere:

2020 – 28%
2021 – 28.5%
2022 – 34.5%
2023 – 36.9%

More women find alcohol ‘very addictive’ than not at all
Data from YouGov revealed that 44% of women surveyed in 2023 stated they find alcohol ‘very addictive’ with only 2% declaring they find it ‘not addictive at all’, contradicting historical beliefs that alcohol addiction is a relatively rare occurrence for women.
These findings underscore a powerful shift in perception for both women seeking rehabilitation services for addiction, in particular alcohol addiction, and for society as a whole.
Martin Preston, Founder & CEO at Delamere provided comment on the above trends, and the importance of seeking treatment:
“There are many reasons why women historically have been reluctant to seek treatment for addiction-related struggles, from childcare issues, and even fears that their children would be taken away, to shame around the fact they have become dependent on alcohol or suffered trauma or abuse. Women struggling with alcoholism has in the past perhaps been viewed by some in a more judgmental way, causing them to hide their drinking and avoid seeking help. 
To see this continuous rise in women entering into treatment over the last five years is extremely promising. Anyone can be affected by addiction, no matter their gender, and so women have almost certainly always been affected. Fortunately, the societal stigmas surrounding women and alcohol or substance abuse are slowly dissipating as addiction has become rightly recognised as a healthcare issue and a mental health disorder. This has led to less shame associated with addiction and thankfully, more people, particularly women, are willing to reach out for help.
Stigmas and the issues associated with entering treatment for women do still very much exist however and so the number of women seeking treatment in comparison to the number of women who need or want to but feel they can’t, is most likely significantly different. If you, or someone you care for, require addiction treatment, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. 
At Delamere, we provide first-class addiction treatments within our discreet, luxury purpose-built facility where all guests, regardless of gender, age, or anything else are welcomed compassionately, without shame or judgement, to heal and grow from their addictions.”
About Delamere
Delamere is a private residential rehab clinic in rural Cheshire. Our approach to addiction treatment and rehabilitation is a holistic one, meaning that we consider all aspects of our guests’ physical and emotional well-being, avoiding the common practice of treating particular symptoms separately. Our addiction treatment models and holistic therapy methods are based on up-to-the-minute clinical evidence and advanced research and help take people out of the addictive cycle to overcome past trauma and other difficulties.
Our findings shed light on substance dependencies, prompting us to delve deeper into the dynamics of addiction. We believe that our data offers valuable insights for further investigation and discussion surrounding addiction treatment strategies and public health initiatives. Should you require additional information or wish to arrange an interview with our experts to discuss these findings in more detail, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sources: Guest statistics from Delamere, Adult substance misuse treatment statistics: Adult substance misuse treatment statistics 2022 to 2023: report, Adult substance misuse treatment statistics 2020 to 2021: report, Adult substance misuse treatment statistics 2018 to 2019: report, YouGov How Addictive Is Alcohol?

Drugs and cash stash seized in Bolton raid

Helen Greaney
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Drugs and cash stash seized in Bolton raid

Half a kilogram of drugs and £2,000 in cash was recovered as police carried out a warrant in Bolton.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Challenger team conducted the task in Grundy Street on Friday, as part of its crackdown on serious and organised crime across Greater Manchester.

Suspected cocaine and the money was seized by police. Additionally, officers discovered two cars – a VW T-CROSS and a BMW X2 – which were suspected stolen. Both vehicles were recovered for further analysis.

One man (31) was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and handling stolen goods. He remains in custody for questioning.

The operation was run by the City of Manchester’s Challenger South team, who conducted the warrant owing to intelligence they have gathered during their work.

DI Lee Newburn said: “Operation Challenger is dedicated to taking drugs and harmful substances off the streets of Greater Manchester. This morning’s find means that we have now taken another chunk of suspected illicit drugs out of circulation and protected people from the dangers that they pose.

“We will continue tackling drugs, disrupting the people who sell them, and cracking down on all criminality that can arise from them.

“We rely on the public for information and their tip-offs can greatly improve our work and when we act. If you have any information about anything you believe to be suspicious, you can contact us on 101, via gmp.police.uk, or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

North West of England hit by cost-of-living crisis with £13K pay gap

Helen Greaney
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North West of England hit by cost-of-living crisis with £13K pay gap

Workers in the North West are battling the cost-of-living crisis, with the average worker wanting £13,000 more per year in order to live comfortably.

Research conducted by Reed revealed salary expectation gaps across the UK – with staff in the region feeling £46,000 is a comfortable salary.

The average wage in the North West is currently £33,000.

Pinning this against the national statistics, the North West is experiencing a slightly less intense wage gap, with the average salary expectation gap across the UK being £14,000.

As part of their annual salary guides, Reed analysed more than 17 million job adverts and asked 5,000 UK workers a range of questions on their salary – both current and expected.

It revealed that workers on the nation’s average salary of £35,000 would need a 40% pay rise to survive the sharp increase in the cost of living – totalling up to a substantial £1,200 extra per month to keep up. To compare, workers in the North West would need an extra £1,100 per month.

Douglas Turkington, regional director for the North West at Reed, said: “The northern UK’s economic heartland is the country’s second-largest regional economy, and so it remains eager to bounce back and not succumb under the pressure inflation brings to businesses.

“But the North West is still feeling the same strain as the rest of the nation – salaries aren’t meeting the demands of the cost-of-living crisis. The good news is that the employment market remains relatively active, however competition for jobs is high, and we’re beginning to see a higher number of applications. Companies, where possible, need to keep their salaries and benefits as attractive as possible, not only to attract people, but to keep the people they have from looking elsewhere.”

In addition to this, 37% of workers in the North West felt that their financial outgoings were negatively impacting their mental health, with 33% not feeling confident that they will achieve their financial saving goals as planned. The research also unveiled that 54% are actively looking or considering new job opportunities, with 32% believing they could get paid more elsewhere.

Reed has produced a suite of 16 sector-specific salary guides, which includes an in-depth analysis of a survey with 5,000 UK workers, assessing their current and preferred salaries and benefits, their organisation’s performance and priorities, how they rated their job security and the future of their sector, and the key recruitment and skills trends they’re witnessing.

Formula One calls for swift resolution to Horner investigation

Harry Carr
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Formula One calls for swift resolution to Horner investigation

Formula One has urged Red Bull to complete their investigation into allegations of inappropriate and controlling behaviour against Christian Horner as soon as possible.

Red Bull team principal Horner has been accused of inappropriate and controlling behaviour towards a female employee, claims which he denies.

Speaking at the launch of Red Bull’s 2024 car earlier this week, Horner described the allegations as a “distraction” but said he would respect an internal investigation launched by the team.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Luton Town 1-2 Manchester United: Hojlund double earns nervy win for Red Devils
City Football Group announces Istanbul Basaksehir partnership
Rohit Sharma: India a ‘delight to watch’ in England triumph

Red Bull have appointed an independent barrister to complete their investigation into the claims against Horner, promising to reach a conclusion “as soon as practically possible”.

On Sunday, a statement from F1 urged the team to resolve the matter swiftly, saying: “We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.

“We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing. We will not comment further at this time.”

F1’s governing body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has said it will not comment while the investigation is ongoing.

The new F1 campaign begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2, with Red Bull set to hold pre-season testing between February 21 and 23.

Horner has said he plans to be in the paddock for those sessions, as Red Bull look to maintain their stranglehold on the constructors’ championship, having won 21 of 22 races in 2023.

Luton Town 1-2 Manchester United: Hojlund double earns nervy win for Red Devils

Harry Carr
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Luton Town 1-2 Manchester United: Hojlund double earns nervy win for Red Devils

Rasmus Hojlund scored twice as Manchester United continued their bid for Champions League qualification with a nervy 2-1 win over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Sunday.

Hojlund only needed 37 seconds to make it six successive Premier League games with a goal, then he deflected Alejandro Garnacho’s shot in to make it a seven-minute brace in a stunning start for United.

However, Rob Edwards’ plucky Hatters refused to lie down and got back into the game through Carlton Morris’ header before putting a ragged United team under sustained pressure.

Read our other sports news stories here:
City Football Group announces Istanbul Basaksehir partnership
Stokes brushes off ‘Bazball’ criticism after England routed by India
Rohit Sharma: India a ‘delight to watch’ in England triumph

They were enraged by David Coote’s failure to issue Casemiro with what should have been a second yellow card, and they fell just short of a memorable fightback as Ross Barkley headed against the woodwork in second-half stoppage time.

Having won four straight league games, Erik ten Hag’s men are now within five points of the top four, while Luton remain one point clear of 18th-placed Everton, who host Crystal Palace on Monday.

A glaring error from Amari’i Bell saw Hojlund continue his hot streak almost straight from kick-off. Bell failed to deal with a routine ball upfield, allowing Hojlund to race through on goal, round Thomas Kaminski and tap into an empty net.

Hojlund’s quickfire second was even more fortuitous. A United corner was only cleared as far as Garnacho, whose volley struck Hojlund’s chest to wrong-foot Kaminski.

However, Luton halved the arrears seven minutes later as former United midfielder Tahith Chong saw his shot deflect into the air, and Andre Onana was far too weak as Morris nodded the loose ball in.

United suddenly came under fierce pressure and they were incredibly fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men when Casemiro clattered Barkley from behind, having already been booked.

Alfie Doughty steered a shot narrowly wide of the bottom-left corner as United continued to creak, and Ten Hag understandably withdrew Casemiro at half-time following his lucky escape.

Luton continued to press after the restart, but tempting crosses from Doughty and Chong went without a decisive touch before United began to improve. Bruno Fernandes raced clear to round Kaminski, but Albert Sambi Lokonga got back to make a goal-saving block.

Garnacho then squandered an almost identical chance shortly after the hour mark, trying to beat Kaminski twice when clean through, only for the goalkeeper to smother his eventual shot.

Fernandes sent a low drive fizzing wide as United missed yet another chance to kill the contest, but Luton were unable to make them pay, with Barkley clipping the crossbar with a glancing header in the last of four minutes of stoppage time.

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