Manchester United 3-0 Hull City: Van Persie and Rooney on target as United win

Manchester United gained an easy 3-0 victory over a typically battling performance from a visiting Steve Bruce side, but Angel di Maria limped off early on.

Chris Smalling opened the scoring with a scrappy goal, before a trademark Wayne Rooney effort and an excellent Robin van Persie finish completed the win.

United started confidently, with Hull struggling to get on the ball, but didn't create too many clear chances - a pattern that was to continue for most of the game. Angel di Maria was an unfortunate casualty, however, and was soon replaced with Ander Herrera.

Fortunately, Herrera looked to have put his injury well behind him as he put in a fine display, and United soon put themselves in front through Chris Smalling, as he just about forced the ball over the line after a scrappy set-piece (although it may yet go down as an Allan McGregor own-goal.)

Wayne Rooney doubled the advantage not long after by sweeping in a fine effort from the edge of the area, and United were cruising.

Hull briefly upper their game just after half-time, but couldn't cause too many problems for United, and Van Gaal's men soon reasserted their dominance. Herrera played the ball through to Van Persie and the Dutchman, who was looking far better than his miserable outing against Arsenal, produced a cracking finish to make it 3-0.

Falcao got off the bench to a rapturous reception, but missed his main chance after receiving a cut-back but only being able to divert it into the sprawling McGregor. Rooney limping towards the end was yet another injury concern from United, with new on him and Di Maria hopefully due soon.

All in all, there's not too much to learn here. Any side in the league would've beaten Hull today, so it would be giddy in the extreme to label it as a turning point. But with Falcao returning to fitness, Van Persie getting a goal and Herrera putting in a good display, it's all positive.