Manchester United strengthened their grip on a spot in the Premier League’s top four as Marcus Rashford continued his fine run in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth.
Rashford, who scored off the bench against Wolves on Saturday, returned to the starting line-up at Old Trafford and capped a dominant United performance with a late strike.
United had earlier taken the lead when Casemiro tapped in Christian Eriksen’s excellent free-kick from the left before Luke Shaw doubled their advantage with a neat finish.
The win moved Erik ten Hag’s side five points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham and drew level with Newcastle United, who are level with leaders Arsenal.
United used a set piece to advance in the 23rd minute – Casemiro volleying Eriksen’s cross into the top left corner.
Lloyd Kelly’s last-ditch effort was denied by Rashford, while Eriksen saw another free-kick deflected as Bournemouth avoided further damage before the break.
Bournemouth’s luck ran out within four minutes of the restart when Shaw swept home a cut-back from Alejandro Garnach, who replaced the injured Donny van de Beek.
Anthony Martial nodded Casemiro’s whipped delivery in at the far post, although David de Gea was called upon to make strong saves to keep out Philip Billing and Jaidon Anthony at the other end.
Garnacho clipped the outside post with a fine curling effort but United had their third when Rashford turned home Bruno Fernandes’ cut-back after an excellent pass from Shaw.
Man Utd player ratings
GK – David de Gea – 7/10 – He made a few decent saves throughout.
RB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6/10 – Becoming a much bigger asset in the final third than he was previously.
CB – Victor Lindelof – 5/10 – He didn’t have a whole lot to do.
CB – Harry Maguire – 5/10 – Had a pretty easy time of it against Solanke.
LB – Luke Shaw – 8/10 – Surprisingly got a goal, and a great one at that. This is the best version of Shaw we’ve ever seen.
CM – Casemiro – 8/10 – Another game, another brilliant performance. This time he capped it off with a fantastic goal.
CM – Christian Eriksen – 7/10 – His inch perfect set piece delivery led to the opener.
RW – Bruno Fernandes – 7/10 – Looks right back to his best in recent weeks. A class act.
AM – Donny van de Beek – 5/10 – Worked hard but was subbed off with an injury just before half-time.
LW – Marcus Rashford – 8/10 – Has really struck up a partnership with Shaw on the left flank and scored another goal.
ST – Anthony Martial – 6/10 – Linked up play well and came so close to scoring.
SUB – Alejandro Garnacho – 7/10 – Came off the bench and set up a goal. Can’t ask for much more than that.
Substitutes
Diogo Dalot – 6/10 – Lively on his return.
Fred – N/A.
Lisandro Martinez – N/A.
