Manchester United were finally able to rise from the sixth position after months there.

They defeated Middlesbrough 3-1 away to begin the race for a top four finish this term. The game is also one that shows some areas striker Marcus Rashford would have to develop in to truly reach world class status.

Boro has Coach Steve Agnew in charge after the club fired AitorKaranka. The team hosted Jose Mourinho’s men, dominating possession but nothing little with it. The results helps the Red Devils move past Arsenal and Everton into fifth place and allows them compete with Liverpool for a top four finish, especially with their outstanding games.

Agnew made four changes to the squad that would host United. After United scored in the first 30 minutes of the game, it was a race against history. United have not lost a Premier League since August 2015 after scoring first.

Ashley Young had sent the cross that reached MarouaneFellainiwho nodded the ball past goalkeeper Victor Valdes, brushing off Fabio da Silva and Ben Gibson. Jesse Lingard won the Man of the Man award for his stunning display.

The player sent a perfect ball to Rashford but the teenage star could not do much with the ball. Minutes later, Lingard broke free of his attackers but decided to make a go at goal himself. He cut inside and sent a powerful strike past Valdes in the 62nd minute. The former Barcelona shot-stopper could not come close. The goal broke the Boro resistance.

While many would praise Lingard for his efforts, it points to the fact that United cannot yet depend on Rashford to deliver the goals – something that has affected the team badly this campaign.

A long ball was sent to United’s box which defender Chris Smalling failed to deal with. The ball reached Rudy Gestede who pulled one back for the hosts.

Valdes handed Antonio Valencia an easy tap-in when he slipped in the 93rd minute. United won the game but missed ZlatanIbrahimovic.