Manchester United's narrow win over Luton was so lacklustre that it was actually worth savouring for a side who haven't been short of headlines so far this season.

Amid the backdrop of a disastrous start to the campaign, United sit at the top of the Premier League form table, just seven points from the top and haven't even started to play well yet.

It is easy to see why some supporters might want to twist the narrative as one of success despite adversity, though that also overlooks the fact United haven't been good enough, regardless of how unfortunate their injury record might be.

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Erik ten Hag believes his side is actually in a 'very good' position considering all of their 'troubles' so far, though he also pointed out the need to 'step up' in performances, given how underwhelming they have been.

The true gauge of this United side will be how they perform once they have the bulk of their injured players available once again, a factor that will only increase the scrutiny on Ten Hag.

United do deserve sympathy for their unfortunate injury situation but many of those who are currently sidelined are not necessarily the quick fixes they are being made out to be.

There is no denying Luke Shaw has been hugely missed at left-back, a factor amplified by Tyrell Malacia's lay-off as well. When either of them is fit, they will walk straight back into the side and likely make a huge difference.

Ten Hag has also been without the services of Lisandro Martinez, but despite his brilliant debut season at the club, he struggled in this one prior to his injury. The Argentine would still be the best option for United in the left centre-back role, though his poor form in the opening matches casts doubts over whether or not he will really solve their issues.

It is the same situation with Casemiro. He is still the only proven defensive midfielder at the club, but he has been poor throughout the season. His comeback only lasted a half against Newcastle and prior to that, he had been underwhelming in the match, with poor passing and positioning as the visitors raced into a two-goal lead.

Yet the manager still has a valid point. United's issue hasn't necessarily been with those sidelined, more so with the fact that there have been so many injuries, which have prevented them from building consistency or momentum with an established line-up.

There is a belief that once United settle upon a regular side and have more experienced senior players to call upon, they could quickly turn their fortunes around and hit the same heights they reached last season.

Whether they actually manage to or not is a different question altogether, given how badly they have played at times, regardless of the injury situation.

The international break might well have come at the ideal time for United to welcome back more players, but with a packed fixture schedule once they return, it is unclear when they will ever be granted the consistency that they crave.

A fully-fit squad will increase United's chances, but it will also increase the scrutiny and pressure to perform.