Simon Mullock

challenge and although the ball ran loose for Fred to slot home, the Brazilian had strayed offside.

Referee Stuart Attwell went upstairs for a decision that confirmed Ilori had fouled Mata. And United’s Spanish ace sent Anssi Jaakkola the wrong way from the spot.

Andy Yiadom and Danny Loader squandered chances for the visitors either side of Mata’s opener.

And Yiadom forced United keeper Romero into a smart save just before Lukaku put the home side further ahead in first-half injury-time.

The Belgian striker raced clear thanks to Sanchez’s pass and the limping Ilori’s flawed attempt to catch him offside.

Lukaku’s third goal since Solskjaer’s arrival was never in doubt once he had evaded Jaakkola’s plunge towards the ball.

Gomes opted to replace the injured Ilori with Sone Aluko at the break because former United favourite John O’Shea felt a slight muscle strain during his warm-up.

Romero saved Callum Harriott’s fierce shot with his legs and later kept out Aluko’s low effort.

The only thing United fans got to shout about in the second half was the appearance of shaggy-haired 19-year-old Dutchman Chong for his debut, although the loss of Sanchez with a slight hamstring pull will be a worry.

Solskjaer, who has emulated Sir Matt Busby by winning his first five games in charge, said: “I picked a team that had never played together before, so I am pleased we’re through and that we’ve kept another clean sheet.”