Rooney, Martial on target as United down Burnley

Two-nil victory allows Red Devils to cut gap to fourth-placed Manchester City to just three points

BURNLEY: Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial scored on their returns to the side as Manchester United improved their hopes of a top-four Premier League finish with a 2-0 win at Burnley on Sunday.

With the convincing victory — United made light of the season-ending injury to top-scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic —sets up an intriguing Manchester derby visit to City, now just one point above United, on Thursday.

Martial's strike in particular was a perfect response from the French international, whose form had been criticised by boss Jose Mourinho this week.

Martial responded to those recent public criticisms by starting, and finishing a goal of devastating pace and simplicity after 21 minutes.

Having dispossessed Joey Barton inside his own half, the Frenchman initiated the counter attack with a sprint and pass to Ander Herrera.

The Spanish midfielder returned the favour, picking out the run of Martial perfectly and sliding through a pass for the striker to collect, take a touch and beat Tom Heaton from six yards.

It was the 21-year-old's 25th goal for the Premier League side and activates an incentive clause which means United must pay Monaco that additional €10 million.

United's important second goal, after 39 minutes, was far more scrappy but, potentially, vital for the fates of both clubs this season.

Martial was again pivotal as he gathered a clever pass from Paul Pogba and darted towards goal, producing a shot which Heaton did an unconvincing job of blocking.

The ball broke to Rooney, who responded more quickly than his marker Michael Keane inside the six-yard area and forced the ball over the line off the defender, despite the efforts of Stephen Ward to clear.

It was only Rooney's third league goal of a season that had threatened to end with the club's all-time leading scorer playing only a bit part in proceedings.