The three-game-a-week
schedule will continue at the start of April but at least United can take a
breather knowing that a top-four finish is still within their grasp.
The first Premier League
goals of the season from Marouane Fellaini and Jesse Lingard, with a savage
second-half strike, lifted Mourinho's side into fifth place as they extended
their unbeaten run in the league to 18 games. Antonio Valencia sealed a
hard-fought win in added time when he capitalised on a slip by former United
keeper Victor Valdes.
he noon kick-off meant that a third game in seven days started just 62 hours after the end of Thursday's Europa League win over FC Rostov, with Mourinho muttering darkly about the 'many enemies' he claims are conspiring against his team and their bloated fixture list.
He made seven changes to
his line-up, with Paul Pogba's hamstring injury and Zlatan ibrahimovic's
suspension denying United of their two biggest names. The emphasis was on
function rather than flair with three centre backs and Fellaini partnering
Michael Carrick in midfield. Ashley Young, meanwhile, was preferred to Luke
Shaw at left-wing back.
Stewart Downing returned to
the Boro side following the bust-up that is said to have precipitated the
sacking of manager Aitor Karanka, with Agnew taking charge of his first
game.
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