Championship high-flyers Derby County travelled to Old Trafford for the FA Cup third-round tie and they were faced by a strong side named by Jose Mourinho, in the knowledge that this could be United's best chance of silverware.
With Manchester City well ahead in the Premier League and the Champions League always difficult, the United boss made it clear that the Red Devils will give it their all after the Carabao Cup shock at Bristol.
But it was a tough test for the hosts who dominated a clash which brought to the fore their struggles to break down defensive sides. Both clubs may be in similar positions in their respective leagues, but there is an entire tier of football in between and Derby limited their efforts to sitting deep in their own half.
Mourinho said ahead of the game "you have to respect every opponent", and Derby certainly worked to earn the estimation from the hosts. With Pogba and Lingard linking up to provide intricate play for the hosts, Derby seemed intent on keeping their shape and surprising United on the break.
An endless string of chances either side of the break frustrated the hosts, with a combination of Derby goalkeeper Carson and United wastefulness preventing them from scoring. Rashford hit the woodwork twice before man of the hour Jesse Lingard fired his side in front seven minutes from full time.
The forward sent a bouncing ball flying into the top corner past the helpless stretch of Carson. With the visitors desperately looking for an equaliser to force a replay, Romelu Lukaku scored on his return to action, tucking Martaial's ball beyond Carson.
After finally finding a way past Derby County, Manchester United advance into the fourth round of the FA Cup.