The Harry Redknapp era hasn’t officially started at Queens Park Rangers, though he wouldn’t have been able to help were he on the sidelines Saturday. The new QPR manager was in the stands at Old Trafford to see his club fall victim to what’s a common occurrence: A Manchester United comeback.
After a scoreless first half in Manchester (with the Red Devils looking very plain for 35 minutes), Rangers opened the scoring with a 52nd minute goal from Jamie Mackie, a score which had the unintended effect of serving as a wake up call. Jonny Evans pullled Manchester United even 12 minutes later, with a Darren Fletcher goal (his first since returning from illness) giving the hosts a 68th minute lead. Four minutes later, Javier Hernández finished the scoring, United temporarily going top in England with their 3-1 win.
The match marked the eighth time this season United has come from behind to win. Given the list of the teams United have added to this list, it appears the Red Devils have developed a habit of starting in neutral against perceived inferior opposition:
Aug. 25, vs. Fulham - Damien Duff scored after two minutes, but with goals from Robin van Persie, Shinji Kagawa and Rafael, United went on to a 3-2 victory in the season’s second match.
Sept. 2, at Southampton - The Red Devils needed three goals from van Persie to overcome 0-1 and 1-2 deficits at St. Mary’s, winning 3-2.
Sept. 23, at Liverpool - Steve Gerrard opened the scoring in the 46th for 10-man Liverpool before goals from Rafael and van Persie gave Man United a 2-1 win.
Oct. 2, at CFR Cluj - Conceding early in Romania gave the Red Devils a scare before a double from van Persie pushed United to a 2-1 win.
Oct. 20, vs. Stoke City - Wayne Rooney responded to an early own goal with two of his own in United’s 4-2 win.
Oct. 23, vs. Sporting Braga - United needed two from Javier Hernández around a Jonny Evans goal after falling behind 0-2 in the opening 20 minutes.
Nov. 7, at Sporting Braga - Three goals in the final 10 minutes gave United a 3-1 win in Portugal.
Nov. 10, at Aston Villa - Two second half goals from Hernández and a Ron Vlaar own goal bring the Red Devila back from a 0-2 deficit to win, 3-2.
