Manchester: Jose Mourinho praised his players for a “perfect” first half performance as Romelu Lukaku scored the 100th goal of his Premier League career and Manchester United maintained their bid to finish runners-up.
The Belgian striker was joined on the scoresheet by Alexis Sanchez, for just the second time in his 11 United outings, in a routine 2-0 win over strugglers Swansea.
Mourinho’s players responded in style to the manager’s very public criticism of their efforts in the FA Cup victory over Brighton two weeks ago.
The United boss had accused his players of lacking “personality, class and desire” on that occasion.
However, with England international Jesse Lingard in magnificent form and having a hand in both goals, United had settled this game inside the opening 20 minutes.
“The first half was perfect,” said Mourinho. “One of the best halves we have played here.
“They [Swansea] didn’t cross the halfway line, they didn’t have one shot.
“We were so strong, we had lots of movement, lots of passing, we arrived in many dangerous positions, scored two, should have had at least one more.”
Lukaku’s 100th goal came after just five minutes as Lingard picked out Sanchez in the Swansea area, who squared for Lukaku to score from 12 yards, via a deflection off Alfie Mawson.
“I’m really happy to achieve that milestone,” said Lukaku.
“It is a dream come true. I’m really happy to achieve that in a league I’ve wanted to play in since I was six years old.”
Just 15 minutes later, the points were as good as decided when Lingard collected the ball just inside Swansea territory and threaded through a magnificent pass for Sanchez to race on and deliver an unstoppable finish from the edge of the area.
Mourinho’s close friend Carlos Carvalhal, the Swansea manager, reshaped his team at the interval and brought on Tammy Abraham and Tom Carroll, prompting a very different second half.
