MANCHESTER (BBC): Romelu Lukaku scored his 100th Premier League goal as Manchester United strengthened their grip on second place and dented Swansea’s survival hopes.
Lukaku gave United an early lead when he collected Alexis Sanchez’s pass to fire in with the aid of a deflection.
Sanchez’s crisp strike soon doubled the advantage – only his second league goal for United – as the hosts dominated.
Swansea improved after the break, Tammy Abraham twice denied by David de Gea, but United were always in control.
Jose Mourinho’s side re-opened a two-point gap over third-placed Liverpool, who won 2-1 at Crystal Palace earlier on Saturday.
Swansea stay three points clear of the relegation zone, but drop down a place to 15th.
Earlier, Mohamed Salah’s late goal snatched a victory for Liverpool at Crystal Palace and left their hosts two points above the relegation zone.
The Egyptian took a touch before firing past keeper Wayne Hennessey after Andy Robertson had crossed in from the left.
Luka Milivojevic had converted from the spot early in the first half to give Palace the lead after Liverpool keeper Loris Karius took out Wilfried Zaha.
And Sadio Mane turned in James Milner’s cross shortly after the break to level.
Liverpool had plenty of chances to score in the first half at Selhurst Park as Salah’s curling effort tested Hennessey and Mane came close with two headed efforts.
Karius’ early error looked costly as Palace clung on until half-time but Liverpool responded within four minutes of the restart when Milner and Robertson combined down the left to set up Mane.
Christian Benteke then missed two clear goalscoring chances in as many minutes before Patrick van Aanholt’s fizzing free-kick was palmed away by Karius.
There were appeals for Mane to be shown a second yellow card – he was booked for diving in the first half – after he picked up the ball on the edge of the area but referee Neil Swarbrick settled for a free-kick.
The Reds then completed the comeback when Salah scored his 29th Premier League goal of the season – equalling the league record of scoring in 21 matches in a 38-game season.
Liverpool headed to Selhurst Park knowing they have an important week ahead.
The Reds host Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday before making the short trip to Merseyside rivals Everton in next Saturday’s Premier League derby.
