THE NOTEBOOK: Man United legend Sir Alex Ferguson returns to Old Trafford for the first time since death of Lady Cathy… while Marcus Rashford reaches landmark figure and protests continue over the Glazers

• Sir Alex Ferguson made his appearance at Old Trafford since Lady Cathy’s death
• Marcus Rashford reached 250 league games for Man United in win over Luton
• Man Utd are NOT good enough to have a ball-playing keeper – It’s All Coming Up

Manchester United were made to work hard, but went into the international break with a 1-0 victory over Luton Town on Saturday.

Victor Lindelof scored the only goal of the game, though there was more injury woe for the Red Devils with Danish duo Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund both replaced with injuries.

Erik ten Hag will be pleased that his side were able to bounce back from their Champions League disappointment against Copenhagen, by beating Luton who frustrated rivals Liverpool to a draw at Kenilworth Road last week.

There were some familiar and not so familiar faces in the crowd, to watch United’s final game before the international break.

Mail Sport’s Nathan Salt takes a look at what you might have missed from Saturday’s clash. 

Victor Lindelof scored the only goal as Manchester United beat Luton Town 1-0 on Saturday

Marcus Rashford reached a milestone when he took to the field for Man United on Saturday

The Red Devils suffered a double injury blow with both Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund (pictured) taken off

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A RETURN FOR AN OLD TRAFFORD LEGEND 

There hasn’t been too much for Manchester United fans to smile about at Old Trafford recently but the sight of Sir Alex Ferguson back in the directors’ box drew plenty of grins.

The 81-year-old was back at Old Trafford for the first time since his wife Lady Cathy died at the start of last month.

He had old adversary Sam Allardyce for company for this one.

Sir Alex Ferguson made his first Old Trafford appearance since the death of Lady Cathy – with Sam Allardyce offering him company for the game

 A NOT SO FAMILIAR FACE

Talking of people returning to Old Trafford after a spell away, a few more needed a double take to recognise one former striker.

Dong Fangzhuo made the trip for the visit of Luton, making it his first visit to Old Trafford since he left the club in 2008.

The former China international was initially unable to play for United’s first team due to an ineligible visa.

He would only ever go on to make two appearances for United and he left as one of Ferguson’s worst ever signings.

‘Good to see you again, Dong,’ United posted on X. Not sure many fans felt the same.

RASHFORD’S  LANDMARK GAME

He may have huffed and puffed his way through another frustrating display but this was a landmark afternoon for Marcus Rashford.

The England international became the youngest player in Man United history to reach 250 Premier League games, doing so here at the age of 26 years and 11 days.

It makes Rashford the 16th different player to reach the milestone at United. 

Rashford became the youngest Man United player in history to reach 250 Premier League games

PROTESTS CONTINUE 

A call to arms was issued online by fan group The 1958 in the days prior to facing Luton that fans need to keep fighting the fight against the Glazers’ ownership.

A group of Manchester United fans – smaller than police had anticipated – gathered an hour before kick-off outside the North West quadrant.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority stake in the club expected to be ratified in the not too distant future, the likelihood of protests ceasing seems slim to none.

Manchester United fans continued to protest against the Glazers before the game, while banners were held during the match against Luton

THE RUN CONTINUES 

Since losing their first ever home league game against Luton all the way back in 1897, Manchester United’s win here means they have now won their last 19 against the Hatters, a run stretching back to 1899.

A look at the record books for English Football League history shows us that only Everton against Fulham (22, 1961-2018) and Coventry against Norwich (19, 1937-1979) have had longer winning home runs against a side.

Domination. 

BURNLEY’S LOSS IS LUTON’S GAIN

Andros Townsend broke down in tears when it became clear Burnley’s contract offer was no longer on the table from Vincent Kompany.

Well, Burnley’s loss is certainly Luton’s gain.

His boundless energy kept United honest in a first half devoid of quality and while he did not manage to become the third player in Premier League history to score a goal for more than two clubs at Old Trafford, he got a warm embrace from Rob Edwards when he came off.

Kompany may well come to rue his decision making on this one.

Andros Townsend’s boundless energy showed why Vincent Kompany might rue his decision to not offer him a contract

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

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