United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was badly in need of a convincing performance after 2-0 defeats to Liverpool and Burnley in the Premier League over the past seven days.
Many tipped the Red Devils to get bogged down on a sandy surface at Prenton Park, but a flying start thanks to a host of unlikely goalscorers ensured there was no chance of an upset.
Captain Harry Maguire led by example by striding forward to smash home his first goal for the club since an £80 million move from Leicester.
Diogo Dalot then also grabbed his first United goal before Jesse Lingard curled home for just a second time in a year for club and country already inside 16 minutes.