The Swede netted during the opening stages of either half to help Jose Mourinho's team record their third win in the space of a week, and they now sit just three points adrift of the top four in the Premier League table.

The home side began on the front foot but it was United who went in front after just five minutes when a pin-point cross from the recalled Jesse Lingard was headed into the net by Ibrahimovic from eight yards out.

The Baggies almost found an immediate response when Jonas Olsson flicked a Chris Brunt corner just wide of the far post, but it was United who were controlling the play for large periods in the West Midlands.

Wayne Rooney came within inches of doubling his team's advantage with a half-volley which was tipped onto the underside of the crossbar by Ben Foster, but West Brom remained a threat on the break with Salomon Rondon directing a header wide of the post.

Just before half time, United should have extended their lead when a miscued Matteo Darmian shot fell perfectly for Lingard, but despite having time and space inside the penalty area, he lashed a volley high over the crossbar.

West Brom competed well with United during the opening stages of the second half but it was not long before the visitors regained control and netted a second goal of the game.

After Rooney had done well on the left flank, he played the ball to Ibrahimovic and after the Swede cut inside onto his right foot, his shot was deflected into the far corner of the net.

The home side needed to find something extra in the final third but they were fortunate to keep 11 men on the pitch after Rondon appeared to slap Marcos Rojo in the face after a confrontation between the pair.

Given United's comfortable advantage, the intensity of the match soon dropped and as it entered the final 15 minutes, only a speculative volley from Paul Pogba forced either goalkeeper into any work.

The remaining minutes passed by without incident as United moved level on points with fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and suggested that they are ready to gatecrash the top four should any of their rivals slip up over the Christmas period.