On paper what looks like a staggeringly good win against a Southampton side who had started the season on fire was actually a far from convincing victory for United.

Robin van Persie’s double secured a 2-1 victory for United – their fifth on the bounce – against Southampton on Monday evening, though they only managed three shots on goal, their lowest tally in a game since 2003.

The 29-year-old ensured Louis van Gaal’s men recorded a fourth straight league victory with a remarkable goal line clearance in the dying moments against Stoke on Tuesday as United seek to pass third-placed Southampton this evening.

United edged out Mark Hughes’ visitors 2-1 at Old Trafford last night thanks to goals from Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata.

The 20-times league champions dispatched the Tigers 3-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday, maintaining their place in the top four and extending their winning streak to three games.

The returns of Michael Carrick and the much-maligned Marouane Fellaini have gone some way to adding steel to a midfield that was all but absent in the opening weeks of the season.

United currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League after scraping a 2-1 win over Arsenal at The Emirates on Saturday evening.

Rooney marked his 100th international appearance with a goal in Saturday’s 3-1 Euro 2016 qualifier win against Slovenia at Wembley, his 44th for the Three Lions.

The Manchester United and England captain will make his 100th cap when Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions take on Slovenia at Wembley on Saturday.

England manager Roy Hodgson’s comments this weekend on the ‘burden’ of captaincy on Wayne Rooney raises serious questions about his recent performances and whether there is anyone better for the job.

Wayne Rooney performed an impromptu tune with pop sensation Ed Sheeran in the Sir Ralph Abercrombie pub following his gig at Manchester’s Phones 4u arena last week.