Romelu Lukaku Scores in Easy Manchester United Win over Bournemouth

Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to score in Manchester United's routine 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Wednesday, the perfect dress rehearsal for Saturday's FA Cup meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.

Chris Smalling gave the Red Devils the lead in the first half, and Lukaku added to the advantage after the break. 

Here are the key takeaways from Wednesday's match.

Chris Smalling, Ace Forward?

United centre-back Smalling gave the visitors the lead in the first half by finishing off a wonderful passing move, in which Ander Herrera played the decisive pass.

As shared by OptaJoe, it was Smalling's third-straight away match with a goal, a remarkable number for the defender:

United's Away Hoodoo Overturned

Speaking of remarkable statistics: United's away form had been inconsistent at best coming into the match, and Smalling's goal finally ended a dreadful stretch of first-half showings:

Penalty Controversy

Bournemouth were furious when they weren't awarded a penalty after the break, as Luke Shaw pulled back Callum Wilson just as the forward tried to shoot. Fans picked up on the replays and couldn't believe the spot-kick wasn't given.

Paddy Power gave their two cents:

Pogba Stakes Claim for Spurs Spot

Mourinho surprisingly picked Paul Pogba to start against the Cherries just a few days before the crucial FA Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur, with some suggesting it meant he would be dropped on Saturday.

If that was the plan, the Frenchman gave his manager something to think about with a brilliant assist for the second goal, setting up Lukaku. BBC Sport's Simon Stone liked what Pogba showed, even if the Cherries didn't make things particularly hard for him:

Daley Blind's Cameo Ends in Laughter

Daley Blind made his first appearance since January for the Red Devils, but unfortunately for the Dutchman, it didn't go as he would have hoped. He didn't contribute much, and his only highlight came when he judged a pass wrong and missed his shot.

Per sportswriter Kris Voakes, it summed up how things have gone for Blind:

What's Next

United will face Spurs in the FA Cup on Saturday, while Bournemouth visit Southampton on April 28.