When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side won just two out of seven games at the start of 2020 and were six points below the top four - leading to the surprising signing of Odion Ighalo on loan from the Chinese Super League - their manager's decision-making looked questionable.

But as United have improved this year, so have their front three. The forwards who started Saturday's 5-2 thrashing of Bournemouth - Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood - have become goal machines, with 55 between them in all competitions.

They scored four against the Cherries - two for Greenwood and one each for Rashford and Martial.

This was the third time since Christmas they had all scored in a Premier League game, with one of the trio scoring twice on each occasion.

To underline their attacking prowess, United have scored five times or more on four occasions in their past 16 games. They only did that three times in the first 367 matches after Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

"How can you not be excited about him?" asked former England striker Ian Wright on BBC Match of the Day after Greenwood's double.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said the 18-year-old might be the best finisher he has ever seen.

United are two points behind Chelsea in the race for the top four but they are fifth, which will be enough for a Champions League place if Manchester City's European ban is upheld. They are also still in the Europa League and FA Cup.