Manchester United scored three first-half goals for the first time in the Premier League since January as they swept Burnley aside at Old Trafford to move back into the top six.

Scott McTominay's eighth-minute curler from the edge of the area was United's quickest top-flight goal since the Scot scored twice in the opening minutes against Leeds more than 12 months ago.

Jadon Sancho's deflected effort doubled the hosts' advantage before Cristiano Ronaldo - who had wasted a glorious chance after being sent clean through when the game was still goalless - tapped into an empty net after McTominay's shot had been touched on to a post by Burnley keeper Wayne Hennessey.

Aaron Lennon took advantage of a poor first touch from Eric Bailly to pull one back for the visitors with a clinical finish into the bottom corner.

However, in their first game since 12 December, Burnley lacked the stamina or the guile to trouble United further and remain in the bottom three.

McTominay later said: "Probably first-half as a team [best display under Rangnick]. We were a bit flat second-half for whatever reason. We need to get that for a full 90 minutes which we haven't really had this year. But we are learning and adapting. The game against Newcastle was difficult and we have to bounce back from that. The manager said we set the record for the most amount of turnovers in the league. We had to keep the ball better.

"Goals help energy. If we bang in two or three at Newcastle it gives the whole team energy. It is so important. Now is the time we really start stepping up and doing much, much better. The manager is so demanding and we play for Man Utd, it is what we have to do.

"A lot of the time this season I have been deeper. Last season I could get to the box more. I was struggling this morning to play with my right foot but I pulled through it. I am fine. We are all learning an adapting. We play for Man Utd, we are dominant and we need to get results.

"Body language is one thing and the manager has come in and said he wants to cut that out, so that is final. We have taken it on board.

"It is the old cliche but we don't want to look too far ahead,. The next game against Wolves is the most important thing."