Smalling and Lukaku on target as United get back to winning ways

BOURNEMOUTH

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Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku struck to hand muchchanged Manchester United a routine 2-0 Premier League win at Bournemouth.

Smalling’s third strike in six league games means the England defender now boasts more United goals than January’s marquee forwardline signing Alexis Sanchez. Chile’s former Arsenal striker Sanchezhasmusteredjusttwo goals in nine league appearances for United, while Smalling has now found the net in three successive away contests.

Belgium striker Lukaku then climbed off the bench to seal United’s comfortable victory, as Jose Mourinho’s men hit back from Sunday’s 1-0 home loss to West Brom that handed Manchester City the league title.

Lukaku’s 16th league goal of the season handed United an armchair ride ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Tottenham.

United made seven changes from their galling Old Trafford loss to the league’s basement club West Brom, and strolled to victory on the south coast despite bursts of spirit from Bournemouth.

Mourinho’s men got the opener in the 28th minute when Matteo Darmian’s sliderule pass released Jesse Lingard down the inside right, and the England forward’s cutback was buried by Smalling. They doubled their lead in the 70th minute when Paul Pogba cantered through Bournemouth’s midfield before threading a fine pass through for Lukaku who steamed onto the ball and buried his first-time shot, to kill the contest.

Mourinho admitted the performance has left him with a selection headache ahead of the FA Cup semi-final.

“I would say that every player on the pitch was positive and put himself available for Saturday,” he said.