KEY ISSUES FOR REDS

RICHARD FAY

■ A UNIQUE TEST

“THE pitch — is it smaller or longer? No referees are coming?” Erik ten Hag had a brilliant rhetorical putdown when asked about the unique experience of facing Luton away from home. Sarcastic or not, it was a valid point.

The United manager has experienced plenty of different atmospheres during his time in the game, and he will not be fazed by the prospect of a trip to Kenilworth Road later today.

Maybe he should be, though. Luton have taken points off Liverpool at home and were unfortunate not to do the same against City and Arsenal.

United can’t underestimate their modest opponents after throwing away two-goal leads in recent away wins at Newport and Wolves.

■ WHO IS LEFT AT LEFT-BACK?

TEN Hag would love to field an unchanged side from the one that won at Villa Park last weekend, but it might not be possible with the injury news heading into the match.

Luke Shaw is doubtful for the game, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia are both still sidelined. It means United have just one fit full-back in Diogo Dalot and he will most likely be required on his preferred right side.

Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are the two leading candidates for a makeshift solution, though the former struggled when he was introduced a week ago. Evans is not the most glamorous name, but he is one of the most reliable defenders.

■ LET’S TALK ABOUT SIX, BABY

RASMUS Hojlund now has five goals in his last five Premier League matches, and the aim has to be to extend the record to six from six.

What will please his manager the most is the fact he is scoring the scrappy goals as well as the spectacular ones. The Danish forward has confidence running through his veins and is reaping the rewards for the hard work he is putting in every day on the training ground. It’s time to talk about six.