Rooney and Rashford give Roy a show

Wayne Rooney shone and Marcus Rashford marked his England call-up in style as Manchester United belatedly completed their Premier League campaign with a routine 3-1 victory over Bournemouth.

In a clash hastily re-arranged following Sunday's bomb scare, the pair were both on target as United ran out comfortable 3-1 winners at a half-empty Old Trafford.

Substitute Ashley Young also struck late on as United gave their FA Cup final preparations a boost before a Chris Smalling own goal gave the mentally weary visitors a stoppage-time consolation.

Rooney was the star of the show, finally igniting a drab game by scoring the opener after 41 minutes and then having a hand in United's other two. The United skipper's strike was his 100th in the Premier League at Old Trafford.

Rashford's eighth goal since breaking into the first team in February came just a day after he was named in England's intial 26-man squad ahead of Euro 2016.

United boss Louis van Gaal said: In the first half they played too slow. In the second half we changed that and that was the difference.

I have said fantastic, there were goals and it (the score) could be much higher. My only irritation (is) that we conceded a goal because now David De Gea is not the winner of the Golden Glove, and that is unnecessary I think.''

Van Gaal addressed supporters at the end of the game, thanking them for their unconditional support'' as his team carried out their traditional end-of-season lap of honour. Afterwards he stood by those words even through it did not appear his speech was universally appreciated by supporters.

He said: I have said that also with very much conscience. They have showed in spite of that we have not always played very well but they have supported the players on the pitch always.''

Van Gaal remains confident he will still be in his job next season despite missing out on a Champions League place. United's victory lifted them level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City but they always knew their vastly inferior goal difference would make overhauling their neighbours impossible.

Asked if he was sure he would be retained, Van Gaal said: Yes - because I have signed a three-year contract.''

The Dutchman did concede that his team had regressed but believes they can bounce back to take the title next season.

Asked if United had taken a step back, Van Gaal said: Of course, because our aim shall be Champions League. It is the highest level and a club like Manchester United has to play at that level.''

To the question of whether United could win the title next season, he said: That is always possible because Leicester City was more or less a relegation team (last year).''

PL

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