18/12 QPR vs Manchester United

QPR have only managed to get one point in their last three leagues games before they host champions Manchester United at Loftus Road. With the extra incentive of reaching the top of the league since mid October, at least for a few hours, Manchester United look to extend their league winning form for the third consecutive games. Sir Alex Ferguson field an unchanged lineup against Wolves at Old Trafford.Rangers welcome Heidar Helguson back in place for Tommy Smith with former Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Philips once again deployed on the left flank opposite to Jamie Mackie.

Play of the Game

QPR : 74^th minute – Substitute Adel Taarabt sneaked into United’s box and was picked up by Faurlin’s through ball only to see DJ Campbell, on for Helguson, failing to keep Taarabt’s cross down at the far post 3 yards from goal.

Manchester United: 56^th minute – Michael Carrick intercepted Joey Barton’s careless square pass in United’s half before bursting through two QPR’s players with some nice footwork and drilled a low shot to Cerny’s left bottom corner to score his first goal in 70 games for the Red Devils.

Key Moments

•        Rangers have only got 7 points from 8 home games this season and it might not be much of a shock for them to concede at home, however it is always demoralizing to concede in the first minute. On the contrary, it was a dream start for Sir Alex’s men in climbing back to the summit.
•        Evans would had regretted heading Welbeck’s flick after Nani’s corner over the bar from two yards out with nearly half an hour gone if De Gea had not stopped Helguson’s angled shot with his foot after latching onto Bothroyd’s header minutes later.
•       The last minutes of the first half was breathtaking for QPR fans as United had trouble clearing the ball out of their own half. Barton found Bothroyd in United’s box before his low cross across the 6-yard box was not anticipated by his teammates and that was the closest Rangers got to equalizing before the break.
•       Jamie Mackie, who enjoyed the upper hand against Patrice Evra in the first half, did well in the 50^th minute but once again his dangerous cross across De Gea was not picked up by anyone; A 1-1 scoreline would have greatly disturbed United’s game plan right after the break.
•       In the 74^th minute, QPR looked to have conjured a consolation goal when Taarabt found space in United’s box and crossed to the far post only to see DJ Campbell tipping the ball over the woodwork from 3 yards out. The momentum was lost after the miss and it was only a matter of time before United claim their third consecutive league victory.

Anecdotes

•       Daniel Gabbidon came in late after the half-time break and QPR was forced to play with 10 men when  Rooney ran through their heart of defense before his shot was easily saved by Cerny. 
•       QPR Owner Tony Hernandes was caught on camera allegedly twitting, perhaps a @Joey7Barton subscriber?

Verdict

QPR

The central midfielders, Faurlin and Barton, may be good passers of the ball but surely not in this match, notably succumbing to United’s compact and quick closing down.  They did not have a high work rate either, with United players losing their tails by playing simple one-twos and give-and-goes. Neil Warnock may need to contemplate reshuffling his central midfielders to offer more defensive cover if they are to improve. Substitute Taarabt had an immediate effect and should not be restricted to the QPR bench. Warnock should consider reinstating him into the starting lineup and offer the team more creativity, if Taarabt can shake off his off-court disciplinary issues.

Manchester United

Wingers Valencia and Nani were productive, hardworking and threatening throughout 90 minutes. Valencia seemed to have regained his form while Nani began to show consistency. Defenders Smalling, Ferdinand and Evans gave a strong and composed display at the back, giving their manager and fans confidence to cope with the absence of out-for-season captain Nemanja Vidic. Evra, however, was too easily beaten by Jamie Mackie in the first half and we would not be surprised if he was given the hairdryer treatment. Welbeck and Jones had also instilled pace and movement to the side which turned out to be too handful for the Rangers’ defense to handle with.

Best Performer of the Game

Michael Carrick. His vision and distribution of the ball initiated most of his team’s moves and was particularly useful in picking out the ample space in the QPR team for his teammates to intrude. His role has never been more vital since United now lack the passing range of Paul Scholes as well as match-fit midfielders.

Who could do better?

Shaun Wright-Philips. Deployed as a left winger, he never felt comfortable with the ball and rarely threatened. He never looked as menacing on the right flank during his days at Manchester City which earned him several caps for his country. His only achievement may come as winning a header against the towering Chris Smalling. Substituted shortly after the hour mark.