Marouane Fellaini and James Wilson scored second-half goals as a rarely-threatened Manchester United converted a pair of their chances in a 2-0 win at Loftus Road.
Harry Redknapp’s QPR looked lost for ideas, and remain in the drop zone. They are a point back of Burnley and Sunderland.
United temporarily jump into third place, 7 points back of second-place Manchester City. The Citizens plays Sunday versus Arsenal.
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United controlled the early goings, but it was Charlie Austin who provided a rocket from 30 yards out, forcing De Gea into aerial heroics. QPR did nothing with the resulting corner, though, and it remained scoreless.
It was United with the first big chance of the second, with a Radamel Falcao making a great run to meet Angel Di Maria’s gorgeous cross, only to be stymied by QPR’s star keeper Robert Green.
And Fellaini found the goal just a couple minutes later, with Green only able to get a hand on his shot before it went home. The goal was set up for Antonio Valencia.
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QPR did find some chances in the second half, but managed to bungle them. With on-loan Mauro Zarate watching from the bench, Bobby Zamora did his best to live offsides on some dangerous crosses.
Substitute James Wilson gave the game another moment when he slotted past Green in the 90th minute, but it was a mostly lackluster match. Louis van Gaal will take the three points, but not love this team.
Lineups
QPR: Green; Isla, Dunne (Caulker, 46'), Onuoha, Hill; Vargas, Barton, Henry, Fer (Taarabt, 70'); Austin, Zamora (Krancjar, 80')
Manchester United: De Gea; Jones, Evans (Wilson, 54'), Rojo, Valencia, Carrick, Mata (Fellaini, 45'), Blind, Rooney, Di Maria (Herrera, 90') Falcao
Goal: Fellani (58'), Wilson (90')