Marcus Rashford scored the only goal with a brilliant half-volley as Manchester United beat Brentford 1-0 in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Wednesday to climb back into the top-four.

Newcastle United also bolstered their place in the top-four as Callum Wilson and Joelinton both scored twice in a 5-1 rout of relegation-haunted West Ham United.

United’s victory was a perfect response following a disappointing 2-0 defeat by Newcastle on Sunday and lifted the Red Devils to 53 points, three ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and level with the Magpies in third.

United started brightly, forcing a series of corners and free kicks as Brentford pulled their players behind the ball to try to close down space, and when the breakthrough came in the 27th minute it was from another set-piece.

A Brentford clearance from a corner only made it as far winger Antony on the edge of the box. He lofted it towards the head of Marcel Sabitzer, and Rashford met the Austrian’s bouncing knockdown with a sumptuous half-volley that gave David Raya no chance to register his 28th goal of the season.

Looking for a top-four finish that will give them a crack at Champions League football next season, Rashford said consistency would be key for United as the Premier League heads into its final phase.

“We are in that period of the season where every game counts, so we are pleased to win,” Rashford said.

Newcastle cruise

A damp night in east London was turned into a Tyneside party as Eddie Howe’s rampant side punished an error-riddled West Ham who were the architects of their own downfall.

Wilson and Joelinton both scored inside the opening 13 minutes as third-placed Newcastle took a massive leap towards a return to the Champions League.

For West Ham, meanwhile, the joy of a weekend win over Southampton evaporated as their relegation jitters returned with a horrible display.

Lampard back at Chelsea

Frank Lampard. File photo

London: Frank Lampard has returned to Chelsea as caretaker manager until the end of the season following the sacking of Graham Potter, the Premier League club confirmed on Thursday.

The club's record goalscorer and fans' favourite previously spent 19 months as manager at Stamford Bridge before being dismissed in January 2021.

Lampard's return will provide a boost for the fans who have seen their team struggle despite a spend of almost £300m on new players in January.

" I have a lot of emotions towards the club. I've been on a different path since I left Chelsea, but to come back at a time when the club have asked me, with a belief I can help until the end of the season, I'm delighted to have this opportunity," Lampard told a news conference.

Reuters