Manchester United have leapfrogged Arsenal into fifth spot in the English Premier League (EPL), after they defeated Middlesbrough 3-1 at the Riverside on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils were without the services of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Wayne Rooney and Ander Herrera.
There was a lively start to the encounter from both sides, with both Victor Valdes and David de Gea being called into action.
Valdes was at his best after 25 minutes, as he produced a stunning double save to deny Marcus Rashford and Antonio Valencia.
United broke the deadlock in the 29th minute as Marouane Fellaini headed home Ashley Young’s cross a the far post.
Middlesbrough enjoyed a good amount of possession in the first half, but could only create one chance as they went into the break trailing.
After a slow start to the second half, United doubled their lead in the 62nd minute, as Jesse Lingard embarked on a fine run, before rifling the ball into top spot from 25-yards out.
Boro nearly pulled a goal back in the 66th minute when Gatson Ramirez picked out Alvaro Negredo, who headed just wide of the upright.
Middlesbrough pulled one back in the 77th minute as Rudy Gustede fired home from close range, after Chris Smalling failed to clear.
Anthon Martial was introduced in the closing stages as Lingard limped off injured, however the visitors managed to see off a late surge from the home side.
Mourinho’s charges grabbed a third goal in stoppage time, as a slip Victor Valdes allowed Valencia to slot into an empty net.
