Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho rang the changes for the trip to Bournemouth - making seven in all - and gave hope to some of his fringe players that they might force their way into contention for the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on Saturday.

In contrast to Saturday's opponents - Mauricio Pochettino also made alterations but then saw his team held 1-1 by Brighton - United were more fluid as a result and ran out 2-0 winners, with Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku securing the win in a routine victory.

Second place looks all but theirs now so their attention can be fully turned to the FA Cup - United's only remaining chance of silverware - and one man who did his chances of securing a surprise inclusion no harm was Luke Shaw.

The defender, valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, enjoyed a solid return to the first-team on his first start since the FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton, after which he was severely criticised by Mourinho.

Here, he made amends with a solid, energetic performance. In an attacking sense, he showed what he can offer United - that maybe Ashley Young cannot - with three crosses to go with a shot and a key pass apiece.

At the other end, he made four tackles and two clearances against a lively home attack, which should serve as something of a reminder to Mourinho of his defensive capabilities.

Ashley Young has emerged as something of a lieutenant for Mourinho this season, but the former Aston Villa man has been average at best since he muted Mo Salah at Old Trafford in March.

If that does open the door to Shaw, he showed here that he is primed to take advantage on Saturday.

[ad_pod ]