Robin van Persie scores as Manchester United stroll to win over Hull City

Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney were both on the scoresheet as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 home win over Hull City in the Premier League this afternoon.

© Getty Images

Chris Smalling bundled in during a goalmouth scramble before each of United's strikers scored either side of the break to confirm a third successive victory.

Referee Anthony Taylor needed the technology to confirm that the defender's 16th-minute effort had crossed the line, and Smalling nearly had a second when he turned Juan Mata's cross into the side-netting.

© Getty Images

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.

There were question marks over Van Persie's place in the United team prior to kickoff, with Radamel Falcao having returned to fitness, and the Dutchman's tame shot at Allan McGregor suggested a lack of form.

Rooney, meanwhile, is on a hot streak and he scored his fifth goal in four matches, and seventh in four against the Tigers, by placing a 25-yard shot into the corner on 42 minutes.

© Getty Images

Hull, who have only won one of their last 11 top-flight matches, came out fighting after the break as Andrew Robertson went close, and McGregor's fine save from Van Persie kept them in the contest.

However, a third United goal killed their spirit, and it was a much-needed one for Van Persie, who turned James Chester and lashed into the roof of the net from range for just his fourth of the season.

An early hamstring injury which forced Angel di Maria off was the only negative for United on an afternoon when they climbed back into the top four of the table, having been displaced by Arsenal earlier today.

© Getty Images