Greenwood’s good with his left or right in United bid for the top four

Fernandes’ poked pass enabled him to escape Adam Smith on the edge of the box.

Greenwood’s first touch loaded the bullet. His second sent a high-calibre left-footed missile scorching into the roof of the net off Aaron Ramsdale’s fingertips.

United needed him again when he used his right foot to equally stunning effect nine minutes into the second half.

The home side had gone in at the break 3-1 to the good.

But Josh King’s reply from the spot four minutes after the restart had cast doubt into Mancunian minds.

When Greenwood found himself running towards a deserted Stretford End, he didn’t hesitate.

Ramsdale was left flailing again as he unleashed the cleanest of strikes.

Eddie Howe would have been encouraged by the way his men started both halves – but

Bournemouth remain deep in the drop zone. Rashford gave United the lead from the penalty spot, stroking home his 20th goal of the campaign in the 35th minute after Smith had handled.

And Martial joined him on 20 for the season when he collected Fernandes’ pass and cut in to curl a glorious shot high past Ramsdale in firsthalf injury-time.

But any belief that United were home and hosed was extinguished when King revived the visitors by firing home from the spot after substitute Eric Bailly was harshly adjudged to have handled.

Arnaut Danjuma beat David De Gea with a poked finish but had strayed offside. That was the cue for Greenwood to sooth United nerves.

It was a pity the teenager didn’t get the ovation he deserved when Solskjaer took him off 15 minutes from time.

By then Fernandes had sealed the deal, whipping home a free-kick just before the hour from the edge of the box which sped past the poorly-positioned Ramsdale.

De Gea 5, Wan Bissaka 6, Lindelof 6 (Bailly 45, 5), Maguire: 5, Shaw 6, Matic 6 (Fred 67, 5), Rashford 7 (Ighalo 80), Fernandes 7, Pogba 6, Greenwood 8 (James 75, 5), Martial 7 (Mata 80). Subs not used: Romero, Pereira, Mctominay, Williams.

Ramsdale 6, Smith 5, Ake 5, Kelly 6, Rico 6, Brooks 5 (Danjuma 45, 7), Cook 5 (Wilson 66, 5), Lerma 6, Stanislas 7 (Gosling 66, 5), King 6, Solanke 5 (Billing 66, 5). Subs not used: Boruc, Surman, Travers, Sturridge.

Mason Greenwood. The teenager showed he is a star in the making with two brilliant goals.

Mike Dean 7.