Manchester United cruised to a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.
A Juan Mata opener was followed by a brace from Marouane Fellaini before Romelu Lukaku applied the finishing touch with a fourth goal.
It was United’s sixth game this season in which they’ve scored four goals.
Here’s what we learned from the encounter.
RASHFORD WON’T ABIDE BY MARTIAL LAW
Anthony Martial has been in great form this season and was the star in United’s 4-1 win away to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League in midweek. It’s no wonder that many have called for him to get more starts, particularly in the Premier League.
However, Jose Mourinho persisted with Rashford, who has been on a good run himself, and he showed just the United boss prefers him to start game in the league. Th 19-year-old was quick off the blocks, leaving Joel Ward for dead and setting up Mata for the opener.
He was relentless down that left side, causing problems throughout. It was his whipped free-kick that Fellaini managed to get a touch on to score United’s third.
Martial may be knocking on the door for a second league start this season, coming off the bench to set up the fourth goal as well, but for now, Rashford continues to make sure it’s bolted shut.
Marcus Rashford
IT WAS ONLY A MATA OF TIME
Given the complex relationship between Mata and Mourinho, it’s been somewhat surprising that the United boss has handed the midfielder six starts in the first eight league games.
However, the Spaniard has repaid the manager’s faith with some excellent displays, linking up well with the attacking players, creating chances and being involved in some great moves.
What has been missing though, rather surprisingly, is a goal or assist. Mata is renowned for his goals and assists ratio despite often having to make do with limited time on the pitch.
He put an end to his drought against Palace though when he broke the deadlock in the third minute.
Juan Mata
PROLIFIC FELLA
Fellaini has always divided opinion among United fans but continues to be ever so effective when called upon.
With Paul Pogba injured, the Belgian has stepped into the midfield alongside Nemanja Matic and bagged two goals on the day, taking his tally to four for the season.
In fact, Fellaini is enjoying something of a purple patch at the moment with all four of those goals coming in his last five games.
Marouane Fellaini