Casemiro's borderline offside strike put Madrid ahead midway through the first half, with the double Champions League holders' dominance rewarded just after the break through a superb finish by Isco after a one-two with reported United target Gareth Bale.

United got one back when Keylor Navas spilled Nemanja Matic's 20-yard strike and Romelu Lukaku knocked home the rebound.

Jose Mourinho's side pressed for a late equaliser, although Casemiro and Bale also hit the crossbar as the Europa League winners were second best over the 90 minutes.

The Los Blancos coach told BeIn Sports afterwards that his team had been "spectacular" in the first half and praised the hard work put in by his players and staff as they continued their winning ways.

"We did very good work, again," Zidane said. "Our first half was spectacular. The second we suffered a bit, but that is normal. We have won another important trophy and begun the season well.

"This is a team with talent and quality, but behind them there are people who work very hard too. It is a team which remains hungry."

Cristiano Ronaldo entered as a late substitute and helped his team see out the victory, and Zidane said the Portuguese superstar would likely also be on the bench for Sunday's Spanish Super Cup first leg at Barcelona.

Ronaldo on for Real vs Man United 170808 Getty Images

"It was as expected," he said. "Bit by bit. He has only been with us for three days, but it is important to have him here. He played 10 or 15 minutes today. But he knows that was not the most important part. We have another game on Sunday, and bit by bit he will play."

Zidane smiled when asked if Isco's man-of-the-match performance meant Madrid had to quickly offer a new contract to a player whose current deal ends next June.

"That's true given the goal he scored," the former galactico said. "What a great move. I am very happy for him. He is improving all the time."

Real captain Sergio Ramos also spoke on BeIn Sports, admitting the team had suffered a bit late on when Mourinho's men went more direct, but adding that overall they had been much the better team.

"We suffered a bit more in the second half," Ramos said. "When the result is in your favour, the opposition have less to lose and go on the attack. They went more direct, with players who were very good in the air and physically held up the ball yet.

"But we knew to stay relaxed, and keep possession, which made things easier. We were a bit tired but we defended well. We were the better team for almost all the game."

Goalscorer Casemiro did not dwell on a possible offside in his opening goal, and said that Madrid's players deserved praise for their humility in maintaining their focus and workrate even after recent success.

"That is up to the referee," the Brazilian said of the offside call. "I tried to hit it and thankfully it went well. I am happy for the goal, we are on the right path. Hopefully we win everything possible.

"It was important to win against a difficult team, Manchester United, they have quality and a great coach. We must also congratulate the players as it's not easy to win as we are doing.

"We'll keep working hard, with lots of humility."