Half-Time Report: Wayne Rooney goal gives Manchester United two-goal cushion over Hull City

Wayne Rooney continued his good recent form to help Manchester United into a 2-0 half-time lead over Hull City in the Premier League this afternoon.

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Chris Smalling's first Old Trafford goal in over three years put the hosts ahead on 16 minutes.

Referee Anthony Taylor needed the technology to confirm that the defender's effort during a goalmouth scramble had crossed the line, and Smalling nearly had a second when he turned Juan Mata's cross into the side-netting.

United had to recover from the early loss of Angel di Maria to a hamstring injury, and there were concerns over Rooney's fitness too when the England captain limped away from a 27th-minute challenge.

The striker ran off the knock to finish the half strongly and, after he supplied Robin van Persie with a chance which was saved by Allan McGregor, Rooney doubled United's advantage minutes before the break.

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He collected a pass from Van Persie and precisely curled a 25-yard effort past a helpless McGregor for his fifth goal in four games, and seventh in his last four outings against the Tigers.

Former Red Devils captain Steve Bruce was returning to Manchester for his 700th managerial game, but saw his Hull side fashion only one chance as Michael Dawson volleyed weakly at David de Gea.