Romelu Lukaku pressed his claims for a more prominent role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with his first goals in 10 appearances, scoring twice in Manchester United's 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace on Wednesday that maintained their challenge for a top-four finish.

Lukaku scored either side of half-time to put United in control at Selhurst Park, with Ashley Young adding a late third after Palace’s Joel Ward had reduced the deficit to threaten a home fightback.

United's lengthening injury list had given Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez the opportunity to show Solskjaer they were ready to shoulder more responsibility during the final months of the campaign.

The Old Trafford futures of both players has been questioned but in the absence of Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial, and with Marcus Rashford held back on the bench, the pair were tasked with providing the attacking threat Solskjaer hoped would ensure his side strengthened their bid for a place in next season's Champions League.

The United interim manager had made clear the demands he makes on his players ahead of this game, even going so far as accepting responsibility for the spate of muscle injuries picked up by his squad, a consequence, he claimed, of his demands for a harder running style than that adopted by predecessor Jose Mourinho.

Addressing Lukaku in particular, Solskjaer admitted he would like to see the Belgium international lose some muscle mass.

That will take time, but the manager can be satisfied the player took a step in the right direction with his well-executed finish that gave his side a half-time lead.