Romelu Lukaku’s 100th Premier League goal set Manchester United on course for a comfortable victory against relegation-threatened Swansea.
Putting aside the spectre of Manchester City winning the title in next weekend’s derby clash, Jose Mourinho’s men regained second spot from Liverpool thanks to a superb first-half display at Old Trafford.
Summer signing Lukaku’s 100th top-flight goal was complemented by Alexis Sanchez’s second since arriving in January as United ran out deserved 2-0 victors against Carlos Carvalhal’s Swansea.
Here, we rate the United players after a comfortable win.
MAN UNITED (4-2-3-1)
David De Gea – Is there a debate? The best goalkeeper in the world right now and justified that tag once more with two outstanding saves to deny Tammy Abraham. United must pony up – money that is and not hair – to ensure he remains with the club. 8
Antonio Valencia – With Mata operating more infield, the emphasis was on Valencia to provide width from the right but his delivery, as is often the case these days was below standard. A rock defensively but that’s not enough for a modern right-back anymore. 6
Victor Lindelof – Vindicated the decision of Mourinho to start him and looks far more assured in this United team now. Stepped out of defence to be the extra option in midfield and provided quality passing out the back. Aggressive when he needed to be as well. 7
Chris Smalling – There is a collective pang of disgust from United fans when Smalling is named in United’s starting XI and his shaky display will do little to erode the feeling Eric Bailly should be in the side when fit. 5
Ashley Young – As was the case with Valencia on the opposite flank, Sanchez’s insistence to wriggle infield meant he was required to deliver quality from the left. He didn’t, three crosses was the second most for United and all were inaccurate. 6
Nemanja Matic – Mourinho opted for a midfield axis of Pogba and Matic for the first time since the defeat to Newcastle and both oozed class. Matic bossed the ball in the air and on the deck. 7
Paul Pogba – The 4-2-3-1 seems almost designed to bring the worst of Pogba but the Frenchman was bright, particularly in the first half. Forced to impact the game from a deeper position but he dictated United’s points of attacks with his varied passing. 7
Juan Mata – Mata probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves but his influence on United’s attackers is huge. He brings so much balance when he’s in the XI and the Spaniard’s presence brought the best out of Sanchez and Lingard. 8
Jesse Lingard – Electric. He impressed for England during the international break in a more central role and took up the No10 spot against Swansea, picking at the space between the lines and laying on a superb assist for Sanchez. 8
Alexis Sanchez – The goal will lift a lot of pressure off his shoulders. Took it beautifully, timed his run masterfully and Mourinho will be delighted to see the Chilean on the end of moves rather than deeper in the build-up. Also grabbed a neat assist for the opener. 7
Romelu Lukaku – The youngest ever foreign player to reach 100 Premier League goals. The Belgian was irrepressible at times. A little fortunate with his strike deflecting into the back of the net but a big performance from Lukaku. 7
#MUFC's Romelu Lukaku becomes the fifth youngest player to reach 💯 #PL goals! pic.twitter.com/suRLTI0bDP
— Sport360° (@Sport360) March 31, 2018
SUBSTITUTES
Marcus Rashford – Game was effectively over when he arrived on the scene for the last 15 minutes. 6
Ander Herrera – Brought on alongside Rashford as United professionally saw the game out. 6
Scott McTominay – Was brought on during injury time for Mata. N/A
