THE MOOD Humble Howe is a class act

playing as if their futures depended on it.

There were flashes from Anthony Martial on the left, Pogba played as many stray passes as accurate and Marcus Rashford was lively through the middle.

But as game wore on, United began to connect, with Jesse Lingard, Pogba, Rashford and Martial sweeping forward to put the home side under pressure.

Rashford closed down defender Nathan Ake, raced forward down the right wing and unleashed a drive which was beaten away by keeper Asmir Begovic.

That came on 26 minutes and was the first shot on target –and the first bit of entertainment – from either team.

Two minutes later, United were ahead from a really well-worked goal.

Ander Herrera released Lingard down the right and his cross was then turned in by Chris Smalling.

Smalling has now scored in three consecutive away games and, even though he is an unlikely hero, a hero all the same.

For any of his deficiencies, it is hard to question his heart and determination.

Bournemouth battled, scrapped and appealed half-heartedly for penalties but ultimately it was United’s quality which shone through.

Lukaku came off the bench and his power and pace gave the visitors a new dimension up front.

Pogba made a brilliant powerful, surging run from deep and his lay-off set up Lukaku for the £75million striker to smash home his 27th goal this season.

It is safe to say he will be straight back in the starting line-up to face Tottenham on Saturday.

Not too many others will be sure of a start at Wembley. SEAN DYCHE and Chris Hughton may be soaking up the underrated love, but let’s not forget Eddie Howe.

The Bournemouth boss, 40, is on course to secure a fourth season of Premier League football for the Cherries.

He has maintained a solid commitment to attacking football and his reputation has only been enhanced by his work in the top flight.

Howe and his assistant, Jason Tindall, make no bones about their loyalty to the players that have helped them into the big time.

Yes, they may frustrate on occasion, but they have also pulled off massive Premier League results this season against Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton.

Speaking of the Toffees, they could do a lot worse than look at a man whose name has already appeared on long lists for jobs in the top six and the England manager’s position.

Humble Howe (above) has never been seduced by his own press – an approach that has helped him retain the survival instinct which has served him so well.

He has improved players such as 21-year-old defender Lewis Cook, who has made it into the England picture under Gareth Southgate.

The Cherries will finish this season in mid-table, but Howe will ensure that it is all forgotten by the time his men return for pre-season.

He’ll have them primed and ready to rumble again – if he is still at the Vitality by then.