Manchester United has returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a nervy 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Romelu Lukaku netted his eighth top-flight goal in United colours 25 minutes in for what proved to be the decisive moment in an evenly-matched contest.
After a couple of little scares, which saw Phil Jones produce a big block to thwart Callum Wilson and David de Gea palm away a Charlie Daniels drive, United had the lead through their first and only serious attempt of the first half.
Mata sent the ball in from the left and out-of-form striker Romelu Lukaku did well to get his head to it ahead of two opposition players – just his third goal in 15 matches.
Bournemouth were the side asking more of the questions in the remainder of the half, though, with Simon Francis and Junior Stanislas both testing De Gea in the space of five minutes.
De Gea was also needed seconds before referee Graham Scott blew for half time, doing well to claw away Ryan Fraser’s sneaky attempt from an angle.
Marcus Rashford, who has played a direct part in 11 goals in 12 appearances at Old Trafford this term, was brought on for Martial with 25 minutes to go as United looked for some attacking impetus.
A moment of magic from the substitute forward almost led to the game’s second goal, only for his 25-yard drive to crash back off the underside of the bar.
Jermain Defoe was introduced for the visitors and almost instantly asked a question of De Gea by shooting centrally, with the visitors – previously unbeaten in four away games – really upping the pressure late on.
Another De Gea save was required after Defoe created a shooting chance inside the box, being kept out at the front post on this occasion, and Fraser then blasted into the arms of De Gea from the Cherries’ final chance to earn a point that their performance perhaps deserved.
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