Manchester United strolled to a routine 3-0 victory over Hull City in the Premier League at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Centre-back Chris Smalling broke the deadlock early on, before skipper Wayne Rooney continued his recent food form by netting from long range in the 42nd minute.

The scoring was then completed midway through the second half by Robin van Persie, who lashed his effort into the roof of the Hull net.

Here, Sports Mole has looked back over the contest to determine if the result was a fair one, or whether the scoreline flattered the victorious hosts.

Match statistics

MAN UNITED
Shots: 12
On target: 6
Possession: 77%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 12

HULL CITY
Shots: 4
On target: 2
Possession: 23%
Corners: 0
Fouls: 12

Was the result fair?

Few teams arrive at Old Trafford nowadays and look beaten before a ball is kicked, but Hull did today. They were on the back foot from the first whistle and struggled to place any real pressure on what has been a leaky defence this term. Credit must go to United because they made the most of Hull's lacklustre performance, dominated the contest and got a fully-deserved win. Had they conceded another goal or two, Hull could have had few complaints, such was the margin in class between the two teams.

Man United's performance

Earlier in the week, Louis van Gaal had called on his team to start beating some of the Premier League's lesser sides more comprehensively. Well, it seemed today that the United players had been listening to their manager. There was a fluidity about United in possession that has not always been the case this season, even after Angel di Maria had limped off early on with a hamstring injury.

In the final third, the likes of Rooney, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera linked smartly and, while Van Persie still looked someway short of his very best, he was given plenty of chances and eventually converted one, which may do wonders for his confidence going forward.

Further back, Hull may have posed little threat in an attacking sense, but a fourth clean sheet of the season will have been extremely pleasing for Van Gaal. Even with wingers Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young in the full-back positions, the United rearguard was a compact one that refused to give the visitors a route back into the game. Arguably, all things considered, it was United's best 90-minute performance under Van Gaal's management.

Hull's performance

Steve Bruce would have regarded his side taking anything from this game as a major bonus. Even so, he would still have expected them to be good in possession, as well as working hard for each other. In the first half, he got neither of them and responded by hauling off Hatem Ben Arfa after just 35 minutes.

Matters improved somewhat after the restart, but that was probably helped by United, knowing that the points were safe, moving downwards through the gears. Where the first two goals were concerned, Hull were punished for failing to clear their lines. It was certainly uncharacteristic for a side that tends to defend in the same fashion as their manager did in United colours.

Looking ahead, this was never going to be a game that will determine Hull's Premier League status, but the individual errors and lack of composure on the ball will be a major worry for Bruce. He has a team that right now looks bereft of confidence.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Michael Carrick: This award goes to Carrick, who probably had the most impressive impact on proceedings. Sitting at the base of the United midfield, the England international brought a real assurance to the team with some neat passing over a variety of distances. His vision was badly missed during his spell out through injury and the 33-year-old pressed home that viewpoint today.

Biggest gaffe

Hull could have avoided all three of United's goals, but Ben Arfa can take this dubious accolade for his sloth-like 35-minute first-half performance. Right in front of his manager, the Newcastle United loanee allowed Valencia to speed beyond him and get a cross in unchallenged. That was enough for Bruce, who replaced the Frenchman.

Referee performance

When one side controls proceedings so much, there is often not too much for an official to do. That was the case for Anthony Taylor, who booked two players apiece from each team - all of which were warranted.

What next?

Man United: On Tuesday night, Van Gaal's men will remain at Old Trafford when Stoke City make the trip to Manchester.

Hull: Meanwhile, a day later, the Tigers will be on the road once again - this time at Everton's Goodison Park.