Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial struck in the first half and Wayne Rooney was on target after the interval, keeping United in the hunt for a top-four finish and easing the pressure off manager Louis van Gaal.
Advertisement
Louis van Gaal declared he was “very pleased” to hear Pep Guardiola had been appointed Manchester City manager.
The 45-year-old will replace Manuel Pellegrini, who will leave on June 30.
United is fifth in the Premier League, five points behind Arsenal in fourth, which occupies the final Champions League position.
The hosts were unable to add any further gloss to the scoreline but Marouane Fellaini’s late substitution through injury proved the only blot on an impressive performance, which should earn Van Gaal’s some respite from his more vocal critics.
And the Dutchman was delighted after his side scored their first first-half goals in 12 home games.
Their total of 27 goals in total at this stage of the season was their lowest since 1989-90 when they finished 13th in the top flight and Mark Hughes finished as top scorer with 15 goals.
“Everybody has forgotten he was a substitute against Stoke City away”.
However, United raced out of the traps, reverting back to their fluent, attacking best to race into a commanding lead as Lingard got on the end of Cameron Borthwick-Jackson’s whipped delivery to head home from close range.
Man United had a half-chance inside three minutes when in-form Martial set up Juan Mata just outside the Stoke box, but the Spaniard’s effort was deflected over the crossbar, before Jack Butland got down to keep out a Rooney effort three minutes later.
“We had fantastic finishing of team goals, building up from the back, which is what I like to see”.
United then missed the chance to put the game beyond Stoke’s reach when Mata inexcusably headed Matteo Darmian’s cross wide from six yards.
Advertisement
Jon Walters did go close for the visitors, whose season is falling apart around them after two cup exits in a week and a third league game without a win, as he volleyed over before the break.
