The match's first goal came in the 23rd minute when United defender Rafael buried a screaming shot in the top corner of the goal, giving QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar (who finished with four saves) little time to react to the shot. Here's a look at the finish (courtesy of @brocadfael):
Credit: @brocadfael
Credit: @brocadfael
United striker Robin van Persie would go off late in
the first half with an injury, but it remains to be seen how serious it
actually is (via Premier League):Late in the match, United midfielder Ryan Giggs would secure the three-point result for the Red Devils with an 80th-minute goal courtesy of a beautiful through ball from Nani.
With the win, United maintain their massive lead over Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League table. Meanwhile, QPR remain in the cellar with a league-worst 17 points through 27 EPL matches in 2012-13.
Grades
Rafael, Manchester United: A
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Without his brilliant strike in the first half, maybe
Saturday's match turns out differently for United. Maybe they draw or
maybe they lose. Either way, Rafael's early strike was huge for Sir Alex
Ferguson's squad.It took the pressure off the Red Devils early and gave them some breathing room against a top-flight defensive unit in QPR.
Jermaine Jenas, Queens Park Rangers: C
Jenas replaced Esteban Granero in midfield to start the second half, but was never able to get much going for the home squad. He would draw a foul, but failed to put anything significant on goal during the second half when QPR needed him to be at his best.
Wayne Rooney, Manchester United: B
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Wayne Rooney didn't come on until late on Saturday,
making an appearance for the Red Devils over the match's last half-hour.
Although Rooney didn't score, he was very active on the offensive end
and looked hungry to put United up 2-0 after taking over for Chicharito up front.Loic Remy, Queens Park Rangers: B
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Just like Rooney, Remy came on late to replace Bobby
Zamora at the top of the lineup. And although he couldn't find the
equalizer that Harry Redknapp was looking for, he kept pressure on United's defense until the final whistle.Remy was aggressive until the very end, demonstrating the sort of fight QPR fans can be proud of.