Erik ten Hag pleased with Manchester United's start to Premier League season

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that his team can be pleased with their start to the 2023-24 Premier League campaign despite already suffering five defeats.

Victor Lindelof's second-half goal handed the Red Devils a 1-0 win over Luton Town in the league on Saturday afternoon, with the victory proving to be the team's seventh in England's top flight this term.

Man United have moved into sixth position, just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, while they are only six points off the top of the table despite a shaky start.

Ten Hag has said that, considering the team's setbacks and injury problems, it has been a successful start to the season.

"Absolutely. Even after all the setbacks that we dealt with, we are still in a position close, nearby the top-four. When we start to play well, the team is set for a couple of weeks and months, also other teams will get setbacks and drop points," the Manchester Evening News quotes Ten Hag as saying.

"Now we have won four of our last five games in the Premier League, which is good. We are actually in a quite good position. If you oversee all the trouble we had, we are in a very good position. That is a reason to be optimistic.

"Looking forward, we need a step up in performances; creating a lot of chances is hopeful and we will move forward and get better performances and even more points."

Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund both suffered injury blows against Luton, with the duo forced off the field.

Ten Hag has said that the pair will require assessments to determine the extent of the problems, with Man United now not back in action until November 26 against Everton.

"We had many chances before half time and you should net one of them. After half time, get the second and then the game is gone. Now you keep them alive and they can get an equaliser from balls dropping in the wrong place," the Red Devils head coach told BBC Sport after the clash with Luton.

"Rasmus Hojlund has scored five times in the Champions League. He has the confidence and the goals will come.

"It would be better for composure, for the calmness, for the manager, the coaches and the team if we score early on, but if you don't you have to keep going. I have to compliment the team that they kept going, kept organised and didn't give anything away.

"We have three away games - all big games - and we have to get ready for that. Hopefully the players stay fit in their international duties. We get ready for that. A lot of work to do."

After the clash with Everton, Man United will head to Turkey for a must-win Champions League clash with Galatasaray.