Chris Smalling shines in Manchester United's win over Burnley; reclaim third spot in PL

Defender Chris Smalling produced a stellar performance as his brilliant brace helped Manchester United to reclaim the third spot in the Premier League table by trouncing a fighting Burnley side 3-1 at Old Trafford.

Smalling, who came onto the field as a substitute for Phil Jones, put United ahead in the sixth minute to score the second quickest goal by a substitute in the Premier League this season.

However, Burnley displayed glimpses of resilience as Danny Ings levelled from Kieran Trippier's cross six minutes later.

Smalling headed home a second before the first-half and subsequently Robin van Persie added a third with a late penalty to give Louis van Gaal's team an unassailable 3-1 lead, the BBC reported.

United are third in the table, five points behind second-placed Manchester City.