Lukaku Scores twice as Man Utd ease to win at Crystal Palace
Romelu Lukaku scored twice to make light work of Manchester United’s injury crisis with a comfortable Premier League victory over Crystal Palace.
The Red Devils were missing eight first-team players at Selhurst Park, but extended their unbeaten league run under interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to 11 games.
Belgium striker Lukaku netted in each half, curling a well-placed shot into the corner for his first and scooping over goalkeeper Vicente Guaita for his second.
Looking to respond, Palace winger Jeffrey Schlupp flicked a header wide of the far post, but Joel Ward did manage to convert a diving header from close range with 24 minutes remaining.
United were under pressure late on but Ashley Young drilled in a third for the victory as United stay fifth in the table, a point behind Arsenal who hammered Bournemouth 5-1, while Palace remain 14th.R
Mixed showing from United
There were major concerns before the game that boss Solskjaer may have to field a significantly-weakened United side, having seen three players stricken by injury in the first half against Liverpool last Sunday.
But the Norwegian managed to put out a fairly strong eleven, giving a start to £47m summer signing Fred for his first appearance since 5 January in the FA Cup.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder was shaky early on, being outmuscled off the ball too often and playing loose passes, but his 84.5% pass accuracy was bettered only by defender Victor Lindelof.
Solskjaer took the opportunity to debut 17-year-old youth team midfielder James Garner for the final minute, replacing Fred. The interim manager, who has repeatedly spoken about the traditions of Manchester United, will be pleased his side claimed a club record eighth straight league win away from home.
Forward Alexis Sanchez failed to impress in another lacklustre showing, but striker Lukaku took his chance with two well-taken goals, having missed a glorious chance in the opening 10 minutes when he volleyed over from close range.
The former Chelsea, Everton and West Brom man moved into the Premier League’s top 20 all-time leading scorers, his 111 strikes drawing him level with Dion Dublin.
At the back, full-back Luke Shaw followed up his excellent showing against Liverpool with another solid performance, while Young kept Wilfried Zaha quiet and capped his display with a goal.
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