Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling guided Manchester United to a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in their Premier League encounter on Wednesday evening, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

A much-changed Manchester United took to the field looking to bounce back from defeat at the weekend against a Bournemouth side that has already more or less secured their safety. United certainly rotated their squad with an eye on their FA Cup semi-final on the weekend.

Eddie Howe’s men started the game well, while the Red Devils were slow out of the blocks.

Despite their pressure, the Cherries failed to create any openings and soon it was United that hit the front. A great ball by Ander Herrera slipped in Jesse Lingard, the Englishmen’s square pass left Smalling with the easiest of tap-ins. A number of errors by the Bournemouth defenders in the build-up to the goal, 1-0 United with 28 minutes played.

Jose Mourinho’s men were controlling possession and were looking in control. Despite some Bournemouth pressure at the end of the half, United went into the break 1-0 up.

The first chance of the second half fell to Bournemouth man Callum Wilson, he landed a touch to a fabulous Joshua King cross from the left. It was bang in front of goal but he couldn’t get the power needed to direct it on target.

Mourinho turned to the substitutes bench, bringing Lukaku on in search of a goal. His plan worked as the striker latched onto a Paul Pogba through ball and then expertly lifted his shot over the onrushing Asmir Begovic.

United then looked to see out the game and managed to do so without much further hassle. 2-0 the final score as the Red Devils go four points clear of Liverpool in second place.

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