Manchester United strengthened their grip on a spot in the Premier League's top four as Marcus Rashford continued his fine run in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth.

Having scored the winner from the bench at Wolves on Saturday, Rashford returned to the starting line-up at Old Trafford and capped a dominant United performance with a late tap-in.

United had earlier taken the lead when Casemiro hammered Christian Eriksen's excellent left-wing free-kick home before Luke Shaw doubled their advantage with a neat finish. 

Victory moved Erik ten Hag's side five points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham and level with Newcastle United, who drew against leaders Arsenal.

United took advantage of a set piece to go ahead 23 minutes in – Casemiro volleying Eriksen's delivery into the top-left corner.

Lloyd Kelly's last-ditch tackle denied Rashford while Eriksen saw another free-kick deflect over as Bournemouth avoided further damage before the break.

Bournemouth's luck ran out within four minutes of the restart as Shaw swept home a cut-back from Alejandro Garnacho, who had replaced the injured Donny van de Beek.

Anthony Martial nodded Casemiro's whipped delivery wide at the far post, though David de Gea was called upon to make strong saves to keep out Philip Billing and Jaidon Anthony at the other end.

Garnacho clipped the outside of the post with a fine curling effort but United had their third when Rashford turned Bruno Fernandes' cut-back home following an outstanding pass from Shaw.

Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United will not be "burning money" on bringing in the wrong striker in January.

After a tough start to life as Red Devils manager, Ten Hag's team have been much improved of late and currently sit fourth in the Premier League after three straight league victories, despite being short of options up front.

Cristiano Ronaldo was in and out of the team before his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan led to his contract being mutually terminated, while Anthony Martial has struggled with injuries.

But despite the need for a centre-forward to help United's Champions League qualification bid, Ten Hag feels United must avoid the mistakes of the past by wasting finances on the wrong striker.

"You need one who can have an impact otherwise you are just burning money," Ten Hag told reporters. "You don't strengthen the squad and it doesn't help you.

"We have a good team when all are available. We have [a striker], Anthony Martial, I'm really happy with his performances across many games.

"He has had a really good impact. If you see his minutes and the impact he has had it's been huge."

One suggestion for United to boost their attacking ranks has been to recall Amad Diallo, who has scored six goals in 19 matches on loan at Championship side Sunderland.

But Ten Hag is reluctant to bring Diallo back to Old Trafford early, believing it would be wrong to stunt the progress the Ivory Coast international is making with the Black Cats.

"We consider everything. I have a little reservation because I don't want to stop the process, he is making good progress there," Ten Hag added. "Young players need experiences.

"When we decide [he needs] to come back he has to be a player who can compete for the starting 11 or at a minimum of coming on for a lot of games to have an impact."

Erik ten Hag saluted Luke Shaw's "fabulous" performances at centre-half in Manchester United's victories over Nottingham Forest and Wolves.

The Dutchman has been forced to rotate United's defence on their return to action with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof suffering from illness and Lisandro Martinez still regaining fitness after Argentina's World Cup glory.

Casemiro filled in at centre-half during the EFL Cup victory over Burnley, while Shaw played alongside Raphael Varane in the heart of defence for their Premier League outings against Forest and Wolves.

Ten Hag's decision was justified with United recording consecutive clean sheets, and the England full-back could continue in the unfamiliar role for the visit of Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Explaining his thinking, the manager said of Shaw: "We have seen the last two games. I think he did fabulous and was impressing. We know also he is really good as a left full-back, but it's an extra option and [that] is always good for a team.

"Of course, you have your ideas and a plan, but sometimes it changes by circumstances like illnesses from Harry [Maguire] and from Victor [Lindelof].

"Normally, they should have started in the games we just played, but then Casemiro did well as a centre-half, Luke Shaw against Forest did very good, and also you look into the game plan, the way we have to approach Wolves.

"And I thought it was the best match with Rapha and Luke. Especially defending wise, we know the speed from Wolves over on the right side.

"[Shaw] could cover that because we want to attack over on the left side with offensive game from Tyrell Malacia, so that was a good fit. And also in possession, you always – with a left foot – get better angles on the pitch."

Ten Hag also revealed Martinez and Scott McTominay could return for the hosts in the first of four successive fixtures at Old Trafford, while Diogo Dalot could be in contention to feature as well.

"We have to see," he added. "Both [Martinez and McTominay] were training yesterday and today, so I am quite optimistic about [them] returning to the squad, both of them.

"Diogo Dalot also, he is making good progress – but we don't want to take risks with anyone because we know there are many games to come, and we need a full squad to cover all the games."

Erik ten Hag has been taking charge of Manchester United Under-21s in a bid to ease young players' pathway to the first team.

Ten Hag was renowned for developing young players in his previous role at Ajax, and the Dutchman has looked to replicate that in his first season at Old Trafford.

Alejandro Garnacho has enjoyed a breakthrough into the first team, while Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal have been named on the bench over the festive period.

Ten Hag – who coached Bayern Munich's second team earlier in his career – believes United's under-21 side was neglected before he took charge at the end of last season.

"For me, cooperation between all the different departments is crucial to get the right culture in a club," Ten Hag said.

"Like at Ajax, when I entered Manchester United, the reserve team was isolated.

"It was no longer really part of the academy, but it wasn't part of the first team either. I changed that immediately, just as I did when I entered Amsterdam.

"At Ajax, the reserve team came under the responsibility of the manager. That was the only way I could have influence on the flow of young, talented players towards the first team.

"Of course, I still give the coaches freedom to work, but I also give them direction, by saying for example, 'I want that player to start playing minutes in that position'.

"So the final responsibility lies with me about how the second team performs and the flow of players that goes from the reserve team to the first team."

Ten Hag explained the quality of his coaching staff – including assistant Mitchell van der Gaag – allowed him to take a back seat in many training sessions and focus on United's overall approach.

"I talked to [director of football] John Murtough about this at length before I came to Manchester, and he set it up in such a way that I can work this way here too," he said.

"In the Netherlands, I made the step towards taking more of a managerial role at Ajax. If you don't have competent people around you, you can't delegate and you're going to do it all yourself anyway. 

"But if you do have competent people, you have to bring them into your vision and then you can delegate tasks. An example is the training process with the senior team. 

"I know this is in good hands with Mitchell. I can often take an overview view. Then, as a manager, you see a lot more than if you are working on the training exercises yourself."

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was not interested in revisiting the drama around Cristiano Ronaldo after the striker completed his move to Al Nassr.

The 37-year-old left United in November when the two parties agreed to terminate his contract following a very public disintegration in their relationship that began at the end of last season.

Ronaldo did not go on United's pre-season tour owing to personal reasons, a situation accompanied by widespread reports of the Portugal great wanting to leave.

When Ronaldo did eventually report to pre-season training, he and several team-mates left Old Trafford before the end of the friendly with Rayo Vallecano, conduct Ten Hag described as "unacceptable" from all involved.

Ronaldo was then dropped from the squad entirely for the October clash with Chelsea after he refused to come on as a late substitute against Tottenham, but the final straw came a few weeks later when he took part in a remarkable interview with Piers Morgan, taking the opportunity to publicly criticise the club and Ten Hag.

That unsurprisingly led to his contract termination and Ronaldo finally signed a reported two-and-a-half-year deal with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr on Friday, but Ten Hag simply refused to talk about his former player after Saturday's 1-0 win over Wolves.

"I don't talk about the past, let's talk about the future," Ten Hag told reporters.

"We made a good step today. First time we are in the top four, but it means nothing because it is a long way to go.

"We have to live from game to game, get in the position to win something."

Ronaldo may have been the first to draw the wrath of Ten Hag at United this season, though he was certainly not the last.

Marcus Rashford found himself benched for the trip to Molineux after missing the start of a team meeting due to oversleeping.

The England forward came on for the second half and scored United's winning goal, with the narrative ultimately reflecting quite well on both Ten Hag and Rashford, the former for his decisive leadership, and the latter for his response.

United defender Luke Shaw was keen to salute the manager's commitment to discipline, suggesting it was a departure from some of his predecessors.

"At a top club like this, it has to be like that," he told BT Sport. "I think that people can't do whatever they want and maybe that's been part of the problem in the past, with people getting away with silly little things.

"The manager takes all of that into consideration. Like you've seen today, if you're not keeping the standards high then you won't play."

United's victory ensured they will end 2022 fourth in the Premier League, just two points behind Newcastle United, after climbing above Tottenham.

Marcus Rashford found the "right answer" to being benched by scoring Manchester United's winner at Wolves on Saturday, according to manager Erik ten Hag.

Despite being England's joint-top goalscorer at the World Cup and then netting two in two for United on his return to club football, Rashford was named on the bench for the visit to Molineux because of an "internal disciplinary" breach.

But after a lacklustre first-half display, Ten Hag brought on Rashford at the break, a decision that paid dividends as the forward scored a 76th-minute winner to send Manchester United into the Premier League's top four heading into 2023.

Ten Hag was delighted with the forward's response to being left out of the starting line-up, which the 25-year-old explained after the game was because he overslept and arrived late to a team meeting.

"It's good after the decision," Ten Hag told BT Sport. "Rashford came in.

"He was bright, he was lively and he scored a goal to give a good reaction. Everyone has to adhere to the rules and if you react like this, it is the right answer."

United's poor performance in the opening 45 minutes left Ten Hag with little choice but to make a change at half-time, with Fred also coming on shortly after the interval.

As well as the substitutions, Ten Hag feels his side's improved mentality in the second period spurred them to victory, saying: "We were not that good in the first half.

"In my opinion, the second half was better. Fred was winning second balls and linking play when he came on.

"In the first half, you analyse the game but sometimes things do not work as expected. Wolves did not create many chances and we did but you have to be sharp.

"I was not happy at half time and I told them with this attitude they will not win this game and everyone had to give 10 per cent more."

Marcus Rashford has revealed he was benched for Manchester United’s Premier League win over Wolves after he overslept and was late for a team meeting.

The in-form United forward was among the substitutes for the Premier League clash at Molineux on New Year’s Eve, but came on to score the only goal of the game.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag said the England international was left out of the starting line-up for a breach of discipline and Rashford confirmed he was punished for staying in bed too long.

"I was a little bit late for a meeting," he told BT Sport. "I just slept in and overslept. It's a mistake that can happen.

"[I was] obviously disappointed not to play, but I understand the decision. I think we can draw a line under it and move on."

Team-mate Luke Shaw was full of praise for Rashford following his match-winning impact off the bench.

"When you've got someone like Marcus Rashford to come on in the second half, you know there’s a goal coming," he added.

"I think he's in a good way at the moment. It's nice to see it. Everyone knows the quality he's got, and he can be one of the best of the world if he keeps going."

Marcus Rashford came off the bench to steer Manchester United to a 1-0 victory over struggling Wolves at Molineux and send them into 2023 in the top four of the Premier League.

Rashford had scored two in two since returning from the World Cup but was benched by Erik ten Hag on Saturday for disciplinary reasons as United put in a blunt first-half performance.

The England international was introduced at the break and had a huge impact, firing home a 76th-minute winner with a powerful finish past Jose Sa, before he later had a second ruled out following a VAR check.

It could be a huge three points for United on the road as they leapfrog Tottenham into fourth, with Spurs due to play Aston Villa on Sunday.

The hosts received a huge let-off early on when an under-hit Nelson Semedo backpass put Alejandro Garnacho in on goal, only for Sa to bail out his right-back with a vital stop.

Diego Costa missed a big chance shortly after, doing the hard work to make space for a shot but sending a tame effort straight into the waiting hands of David de Gea.

Antony spurned an opportunity before the break when he saw a header saved after great work down the left by Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia.

Rashford, brought on at half-time, had the last laugh when his battling run ended with him smashing into the back of the net.

He had the ball in the back of the net in the 85th minute but the ball was adjudged to have come off his arm, and De Gea superbly kept out Raul Jimenez's header in the closing seconds as United held on for all three points.

Marcus Rashford was dropped from Manchester United's starting XI for Saturday's trip to Wolves due to "internal disciplinary" reasons.

The England forward has been in great form for United this season and looked particularly sharp since returning from the World Cup.

He scored in each of United's first two games after Qatar 2022, while he also got an assist in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

Manager Erik ten Hag has managed to get the best out of the 25-year-old after a particularly disappointing 2021-22 campaign, but something behind the scenes has put an obstacle in Rashford's path.

Asked why he removed Rashford from the team after looking so lively in United's two previous games, Ten Hag told BT Sport: "Internal disciplinary. No [details]. Our rules.

"Now focus on the game. He is in very good form and no-one can play all the games."

This is not the first time Ten Hag has wielded the axe to punish breaches of club discipline at United, with Cristiano Ronaldo dropped earlier this season after refusing to come on against Tottenham.

Rashford was named among the substitutes, however, whereas Ronaldo was ditched from the squad entirely on that occasion.

Alejandro Garnacho was the one to benefit from Rashford being dropped, with the 19-year-old lining up in attack with Antony and Anthony Martial.

Luke Shaw kept his place at centre-back despite both Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire being fit enough to take places alongside Rashford on the bench.

Also among United's substitutes is talented 17-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who will make his senior debut if he comes on.

World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez is still absent despite returning to training this week; Diogo Dalot – who is also yet to feature since the World Cup – misses out again as well.

Erik ten Hag has credited Casemiro for "raising the limits" at Manchester United since his August arrival from Real Madrid.

Casemiro has forged a fruitful midfield partnership with Christian Eriksen since swapping the Santiago Bernabeu – where he won five Champions League titles – for Old Trafford.

With United just one point adrift of the Premier League's top four ahead of Saturday's trip to Wolves, Ten Hag believes the Brazil international's presence has had a huge impact on his team.

Asked about Madrid's decision to part company with Casemiro, Ten Hag said: "I'm happy they sold him, he's a magnificent player. 

"Our analysis was that we needed someone in the [number] six position. We had lot of discussions about it in this room, but we needed the right player. 

"We definitely have the right player. We're happy to have him, he is raising the limits for Manchester United."

Another tenacious South American has emerged as a key part of Ten Hag's side after arriving in the last transfer window, with Argentina's Lisandro Martinez making a centre-back spot his own.

Martinez was absent as United beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 on their return to Premier League action after helping Argentina  win the World Cup in Qatar, and Ten Hag hopes that achievement will benefit the defender's development.

"It will be a boost, he has confidence in himself, this experience will strengthen him even more," Ten Hag added. 

"Argentina played to win, others played to not lose. He also showed that mentality for Manchester United – when it's difficult to stand up, it will help us even more.

"I didn't doubt him, that's why I brought him in. He has high potential. If he works well, he can make huge progress, he has huge space for improvement. 

"That experience is so emotional, and now you have to manage it as a player. It's a good challenge, if you survive the challenge you're going to be a better player."

Meanwhile, Ten Hag confirmed winger Jadon Sancho has returned to training, having been left out since a draw against Chelsea in October after being deemed "not in the right status or fitness state" to play.

"The time is not now but he's making progress and we will see when he is ready to return," Ten Hag said. "He's back in Manchester and started individual training."

Erik ten Hag challenged a fully fit Aaron Wan-Bissaka to stake his claim for a starting berth and welcomed the added competition he provides at right-back for Manchester United.

The defender has played just three times across all competitions under the Dutchman this campaign, having struggled with illness and injuries.

Wan-Bissaka had been linked with a January exit from Old Trafford, with former club Crystal Palace having been tipped among his suitors.

But an impressive performance on United's return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest has seemingly breathed new life into his career with the Red Devils.

Ahead of his side's trip to Wolves on Saturday, Ten Hag indicated Wan-Bissaka's absence was more a matter of fitness than form.

"You have to be on the pitch [to impress]," he said. "In the first half of the season, he was either injured or ill, so [he] did not have a role in the squad.

"I think the break was good for him. He returned with the under-20s camp in Spain, and he played some games. Now he's doing really well.

"I'm happy with his performance. We need that competition in our squad. He has to play games in the team, and they [he] can develop, [he] can grow."

One player who will not feature for United this season is Cody Gakpo, after the transfer target instead sealed a switch to Premier League rivals Liverpool from PSV.

With Cristiano Ronaldo's exit in November, the need for additional offensive players remains a matter to be solved, but Ten Hag has confidence in his current squad, in particular youngster Alejandro Garnacho.

The teenager has made a number of memorable impressions as a substitute this term, and the Dutchman feels he can continue to rely on the Argentina youth international.

"We need impact from the bench," he added. "They're in the offensive department. You need players coming from the bench who will have an impact on the game, or at least keep the wind on your side."

Erik ten Hag was not entirely satisfied with Manchester United's finishing despite comfortably seeing off Nottingham Forest 3-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

United returned to Premier League action following the World Cup and ultimately cruised to a straightforward victory that leaves them just a point behind fourth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand.

First-half goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial sent United on their way before Fred rounded things off in the final minutes.

But United wasted several decent opportunities before Fred's Casemiro-inspired goal, with Antony and Rashford spurning particularly good chances.

And that proved to be a key area of focus for Ten Hag after the game.

"It's what I said in the dressing room, we have to score more goals," he told Prime Video.

"We created so many chances and it takes us until just before the end to score the third goal. We need to finish this game in an earlier moment.

"Just after half-time we had two really good chances to finish the game. Life would be more easy.

"There are many games to come, [if you get a third goal then] you can then save energy and it is better for everyone, but also for the progress of the team, we need to be more clinical.

"We have players who can score.

"You can see Martial and Rashford are goalscorers; Bruno Fernandes scores goals. We have a lot of players who can score, but we have to be ruthless."

Ten Hag has already confirmed United are keen to bring in attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

PSV forward Cody Gakpo was widely considered the most likely to arrive but it emerged on Monday that the Netherlands international is close to joining Liverpool after the two clubs agreed a fee.

Ten Hag was asked about Liverpool's move for Gakpo, though he was unsurprisingly keen to avoid speaking about his compatriot.

"I don't talk about individual cases," he said.

"We are looking for offensive players, we are looking for a striker. It would be good because we have games coming, so many, every third day, and it's tough.

"You want to play in all the competitions we are in, we want to stay in them hopefully until the end of the season, so you need numbers in the squad to cover them all.

"I think we are always in the market, but it has to match the sporting criteria and the financial criteria, and we do what we can to bring in what we need."

While the Red Devils appear to have missed out on Gakpo, the August arrival of Casemiro proves United retain the ability to attract the best in the world.

The Brazil international was central to Tuesday's win, brilliantly winning the ball back near his own corner flag in the build-up to United's second goal before also inspiring Fred's clincher.

Those two incidents fitted into the wider narrative of his all-round brilliance in midfield as he recorded a joint-high three key passes, attempted more tackles than anyone else (five) and was engaged in the most duels (11).

For Ten Hag, Casemiro is a blessing.

"I can't deny that, I can only confirm," Ten Hag replied when Casemiro's importance was highlighted by a pundit. "It's a pleasure to work with him.

"I think everyone can see how important he is. The performance, the level he brings to the team is huge."

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United need to sign a striker to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in the January transfer window, though he says they will only move for the right player.

United are targeting attacking reinforcements after terminating Ronaldo's contract last month – a move which came after the five-time Ballon d'Or winner declared he had no respect for Ten Hag in a controversial interview with Piers Morgan.

The Red Devils have scored 20 Premier League goals this season – a tally bettered by 10 teams in the division, while their top goalscorer Marcus Rashford has netted four times.

While a series of forwards have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, Ten Hag says any new arrival must be of a high standard.

"There are two things. First, goals can also come out of our own club; see [Alejandro] Garnacho, see [Anthony] Elanga, see [Facundo] Pellistri, who made a good impression in the World Cup and in the game against Everton last week in training. That is first," Ten Hag said.

"We are aware we lost a striker, so I think we have to get a striker in, but it has to be the right one. 

"The right one will bring quality to the team and not just be an addition to the squad, because that only gives you problems. You know the criteria is high at Manchester United."

Few players have benefitted from Ten Hag's arrival at United more than Rashford, who has equalled last season's tally of four league goals in just 14 appearances this term, but Ten Hag thinks he is capable of more.

"I don't want to pin myself on a number. I said from the start that he is capable of scoring 20 goals in the Premier League, so I am convinced about that," Ten Hag said.

"He now has four but he scored many other goals. He scored three goals at the World Cup, so then you have the potential to score those goals in the Premier League."

One forward who will not be joining United in January is Netherlands international Cody Gakpo, who is set to sign for Liverpool after the Reds reached an agreement with PSV.

Gakpo, who netted three times at the World Cup, is to travel to England in the coming days to finalise a move reportedly worth an initial £37million (€41m) plus add-ons.

Anthony Martial thinks Manchester United have plenty of reason for optimism ahead of the second half of the season, praising the "great dynamic" instilled by Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils have enjoyed something of a resurgence under the Dutchman following a dismal 2021-22 campaign, mounting a charge for the top four once again.

With a quarter-final berth in the EFL Cup secured, United next face Nottingham Forest on Tuesday as they resume their Premier League season following the break for the World Cup in Qatar.

Martial, who has been limited by injury so far but nevertheless has picked up four goals in eight games, certainly believes there is cause to believe the club can succeed this term under Ten Hag.

"Why not?" he told MUTV. "We've [got] a very good team of players, with a great dynamic about us and lots of victories under our belt.

"We now just to have keep on [with] those winning ways we have shown in these recent matches.

"There has been some time for rest, so we hope we will return in good shape for the challenges ahead, and to win all the matches we can."

While several members of United's squad - including the central defensive trio of Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire - enjoyed deep World Cup runs, Martial was absent after France passed him over.

But the forward feels those left behind have used their time wisely to ensure they can hit the ground running as 2023 comes around the corner.

"We've put in a lot of good work, and it has been a bit like a pre-season for us," he added. "We've worked on fitness training and getting into top shape physically, and I've benefited a lot from that personally."

Manchester United have triggered one-year extension clauses in the contracts of Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Fred, Erik ten Hag has confirmed.

With United three points adrift of the Premier League's top four with a game in hand ahead of the competition's resumption, each of the quartet has played a key role for Ten Hag's side.

In particular, Rashford has looked rejuvenated since the Dutchman took charge, leading the Red Devils' scoring charts with four Premier League goals this term and netting three times for England at the World Cup.

Rashford's deal had been due to expire at the end of the season, leading the forward to be linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but Ten Hag has confirmed the 25-year-old is set to stay.

Asked about widespread reports claiming United had extended the players' contracts, the United boss told MUTV: "Yes, I can confirm it.

"We are happy because the squad is going in the right direction and those players [have made] a massive contribution in that direction.

"We want to develop, we want to support those players and we want them to keep in our process, so that's why we came to those decisions, I'm sure they are the right decisions. 

"We want to construct a team for the future, for longer years, and those players have to be part of it."

United will resume their Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Tuesday, having won four of their last five home games in the competition (D1).

The Red Devils have won each of their last six games against Forest in all competitions, recording an 8-1 victory in the teams' most recent meeting in February 1999.