Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku on target as Manchester United canter to victory

Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku struck to hand much-changed Manchester United a routine 2-0 Premier League win at Bournemouth.

Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku on target as Manchester United canter to victory

Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku struck to hand much-changed Manchester United a routine 2-0 Premier League win at Bournemouth.

Smalling's third strike in six league games means the England defender now boasts more United goals than January's marquee forward-line signing Alexis Sanchez.

Chile's former Arsenal striker Sanchez has mustered just two goals in nine league appearances for United, while Smalling has now found the net in three successive away contests.

Belgium striker Lukaku then climbed off the bench to seal United's comfortable victory, as Jose Mourinho's men hit back from Sunday's 1-0 home loss to West Brom that handed Manchester City the league title.

Lukaku's 16th league goal of the season - and his seventh Premier League goal in six meetings with Bournemouth - handed United an armchair ride ahead of Saturday's FA Cup semi-final clash with Tottenham.

United made seven changes from their galling Old Trafford loss to the league's basement club West Brom, and strolled to victory on the south coast despite bursts of spirit from Bournemouth.

The Cherries started the night the brighter, but to no avail. Callum Wilson should have done better when clean through, only for Phil Jones to recover just enough to toe away trouble.

Jordon Ibe dragged tamely wide from 20 yards after Wilson had made another threatening incision, but after that, the visitors took control.

Marcus Rashford drew a smart save from Asmir Begovic after picking Nathan Ake's pocket as United warmed up, and then Mourinho's men struck.

Matteo Darmian's slide-rule pass released Jesse Lingard down the inside right, and the England forward's cutback was buried by Smalling.

Bournemouth crafted the first opening after the break, Ryan Fraser sending Josh King scurrying away down the left flank.

The Norway forward's teasing ball had Wilson racing to the far post, but the ex-Coventry striker was unable to make contact.

An incensed Wilson raced immediately to remonstrate with referee Graham Scott, arguing ambitiously for unjust impediment from Luke Shaw.

Wilson failed to get the better of Jones next, unable to beat the England defender when all-but clean through. Lys Mousset tangled with Jones in the United box too. But the visitors held firm.

And just when Bournemouth thought they could crank up the pressure, Paul Pogba released that valve.

The France midfielder cantered through Bournemouth's midfield before threading a fine pass through for Lukaku.

The Belgium hitman steamed onto the ball and buried his first-time shot, to kill the contest with 20 minutes still to play.

PA

more courts articles

Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody
Further charges to be brought against accused in MV Matthew drugs haul case Further charges to be brought against accused in MV Matthew drugs haul case
Football fan given banning order after mocking Munich air disaster Football fan given banning order after mocking Munich air disaster

More in this section

Coventry City v Manchester United - Emirates FA Cup - Semi Final - Wembley Winning FA Cup would be an over-achievement, says Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag
Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League - Emirates Stadium Arsenal move four clear at the top of the table as Havertz and White double up to sink Chelsea
Nottingham Forest v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League - The City Ground Nottingham Forest’s response to VAR controversy ‘too emotional’ – Stuart Broad
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited