Manchester United travelled to relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers on Saturday looking to maintain their top-four position in the Premier League.
Both sides had half-chances in the first period, but neither could make the breakthrough.
United took the lead just before the hour when Marouane Fellaini found the top corner.
QPR pushed for an equaliser in the latter stages, but it was United that scored their second through James Wilson in stoppage time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Hello all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from Loftus Road as Queens Park Rangers welcome Manchester United. It has all the makings of a classic, but before we get down to the facts and figures, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news...
TEAMS
QPR: Green; Isla, Dunne, Onuoha, Hill; Vargas, Barton, Henry, Fer; Austin, Zamora
UNITED: De Gea; Jones, Evans, Rojo; Valencia, Carrick, Mata, Blind; Rooney; Di Maria, Falcao
So there we have it. QPR boss Harry Redknapp has gone for two strikers this afternoon, with leading scorer Charlie Austin joined in attack by Bobby Zamora. Nedum Onuoha also comes into the side in place of Steven Caulker, while Adel Taarabt has dropped to the bench for the R's.
The big news in the United side is that Radamel Falcao returns to the XI after much speculation surrounding the Colombian's future. Marcos Rojo is also fit to return, but it is unclear what formation Louis van Gaal will deploy. Daley Blind could line up as a left wing-back, with Antonio Valencia on the other side, but it could also be a four at the back. Angel di Maria also keeps his spot in the side.
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QPR have not beaten Manchester United in any competition since News Year's Day 1992, when they recorded all three points at Old Trafford with a 4-1 win. Since then, the R's have drawn three and lost 13 of their past 16 meetings with the Red Devils. It has been a torrid run of results against the Reds.
The last time that the two sides met at this stadium was in February 2013, with United recording all three points with a 2-0 win. The pair have also already met at Old Trafford this term and it was United that ran out 4-0 winners. That said, QPR's home form this season will certainly give them confidence.
As it stands, the home side sit 19th in the table on 19 points. They have won just five of their 21 league games, but all five victories have come at Loftus Road. Their away form has been horrendous, with 10 defeats from 10 games – scoring just five times in the process, but they have lost just twice at home.
In fact, had Harry Redknapp's side picked up a few points on the road then they could certainly not be in the drop zone at this stage of the season. That said, the hosts will enter this match off the back of a five-game winless run in all competitions, which stretches back to Boxing Day.
The capital outfit recorded a 3-2 win over West Bromwich Albion in their final match before Xmas, but have since lost at Arsenal and Burnley and drawn at home with Crystal Palace and Swansea City. The R's were also dumped out of the FA Cup by Sheffield United after losing 3-0 at home earlier this month.
Goals have not been too much of a problem for QPR this season, but they have been heavily reliant on Charlie Austin, who has netted 13 of their 23 strikes in the league. Down the other end, QPR have the worst defensive record in the league, having conceded 37 times in their 21 league matches this term.
United, meanwhile, have registered 34 goals in the league, which is the fifth-highest total at this stage. For all the talk of their problems in defence, meanwhile, Louis van Gaal's side have conceded just 21 times. That is just one more than Manchester City and two more than the leaders Chelsea.
United's away form, however, is concerning. They lost at home to Southampton last weekend, but on the whole, their home form has been strong with eight wins from their 11 matches. It has been a different story on their travels, however, with just two wins from their 10 league games thus far.
Goals have also been a problem on the road, with just 12 in their 10 games. Indeed they have not won away from home in the league since beating Southampton 2-1 at the start of December. That victory came during a run of six straight league wins, which moved the club into third spot in the table.
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Last weekend's 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton moved the Saints into third, however, leaving United in the final Champions League position. It is awfully tight in that area of the division, however, with Arsenal just one point behind in fifth and Tottenham Hotspur three points behind in sixth.
Since beating Liverpool on December 14, United have won just once in the league, with that success coming at home to Newcastle United on Boxing Day. They have drawn at Aston Villa, Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur, before, as mentioned, losing at home to Southampton. It is a sticky run of form.
That said, United do have some kind-ish fixtures coming up. After this match they welcome Leicester City to Old Trafford, before travelling to West Ham United one week later. Burnley and Sunderland then travel to Old Trafford either side of a trip to the Liberty Stadium to face Swansea City.
March and April could well define United's season. They face Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton during those two months, in addition to a trip to Newcastle United. Van Gaal will want to put some serious points on the board before that daunting run of fixtures commences.
United might have struggled on the road this season, but their recent Premier League record in the capital is very impressive indeed. The 20-time English champions have lost on just one of their last 19 league visits to London – winning 11 times in the process. That is some record it must be said!
PREDICTION! Both of these teams are in desperate need of the points, but for very different reasons. QPR have been strong on their own patch this season, while United have struggled on the road. That said, I think United will have a little too much in attack here. My score prediction is 3-1 United.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Once the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken, we will be just about ready to get the action underway here.
This afternoon's referee is Neil Swarbrick. Let's hope that we are discussing the football and not the referee come the end of the match! It is the home side that get the first 45 minutes underway in London.
It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium is just wonderful. QPR have already looked to play a couple of long balls towards Zamora, but Evans has been strong aerially thus far. Falcao's first touch brings a free kick following a late challenge from Dunne. High-tempo start to proceedings here.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening four minutes, with both sides guilty of conceding possession far too easily in the final third of the field. Still goalless in the very early stages.
Di Maria comes close to collecting a somewhat short back-pass from Dunne, but Green is on hand to clear. United are down the right with Valencia moments later, but the away side concede possession. Zamora tries his luck from distance after spotting De Gea off his line, but the striker's effort is wide.
Rooney attempts to release Falcao with a threaded pass from a deep position, but once again Dunne is across to make the clearance. United have just started to dominate possession in forward areas here.
Di Maria has been heavily involved in the opening 10 minutes and the Argentine tries his luck from outside the box, but Dunne is on hand to make the block. The away side continue their attack down the right, but Valencia's cross goes out for a goal kick. Still no real chances for either side in the early minutes.
Carrick strikes one from outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Green. Fer is down the other end moments later, but his effort is high and wide. Half-chances at either end of the field.
United again threaten as Mata finds space outside the box before attempting to slide a pass into Falcao, but Dunne is on hand to make the clearance. United are in control of the possession at the moment.
CHANCE! First real chance for the away side as Mata finds Falcao with a beautiful pass, the Colombian controls inside the box before firing towards goal, but Green makes a smart save.
The home side just cannot keep the ball at the moment as United continue to force the issue, but aside from that Falcao chance, there has been little to shout about in terms of opportunities. Still 0-0.
Slightly better from QPR in the last couple of moments, but they are still struggling to keep possession in the final third. Meanwhile, there is a terrible moment from Valencia, who gives away a foul throw. Vargas has a half-chance for the home side moments later, but his effort loops over from close range.
CHANCE! The home side's first chance comes to Austin as the Englishman meets a through pass from Vargas, but De Gea is on hand to make an excellent save. The ball drops to Fer outside the box moments later, but his effort is wide of the post. United just need to regroup here.
Rooney concedes possession in the middle of the park to Zamora, who drives into the United half before finding Vargas, but his cross is straight into the arms of De Gea. Still goalless with 23 minutes played.
The home side are having some joy in the middle of the park as Fer bursts through once more, but the midfielder cannot release Austin, who has looked dangerous thus far. Zamora has a problem moments later after taking one in the face from Rojo, who has been up for the battle thus far.
Mata continues to buzz around outside the QPR box as the Spaniard plays another deep cross towards Falcao, but Dunne is on hand to make the clearance. United are enjoying plenty of the ball in deep areas, but they are struggling to create clear chances. However, Van Gaal still persists with the 3-5-2.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to take the lead as one long ball finds Austin, who fires one towards the top corner, but De Gea is on hand to make a wonderful, wonderful save.
The away supporters are in fine voice, but their side have not been too impressive thus far. QPR have shaded the match in terms of chances created, with Austin coming close on two occasions.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and the referee has been more involved following a couple of late challenges. Still no bookings, but we are probably close as Blind takes out Zamora.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. United have been poor, there is no getting away from that. However, you just get the feeling that Van Gaal will not change from his 3-5-2 formation, which is very surprising.
Possession football from the away side as they pass and probe outside the box, but they are finding it difficult to break through that final line of defence. Blind delivers a cross towards Falcao, but Green is on hand to claim as QPR break down the other end. Little over five minutes of the half to play.
Well, this has been poor from both sides thus far. So very poor.
BOOKED! Barton (QPR) is booked for a late challenge on Evans.
Evans has a problem for United here. Another injury? No, I won't hear it!
More possession from United, but not a lot else truth be told.
Better from United and in particular Di Maria as the Argentine whips an excellent ball towards the far post, but Dunne just manages to clear for a corner. That is more like it from Di Maria.
BOOKING! Mata (United) is booked for a late challenge on Barton.
We are into the first of two additional minutes at Loftus Road.
Better from United in the final minutes of the half, but once again the final pass is poor as Rooney and Di Maria both concede possession. The referee is about to blow his whistle for half time.
HALF-TIME: QPR 0-0 Man United
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the score level at 0-0. In truth, it has not been great thus far. Falcao had United's best chance, but brought a fine save from Green. Austin, meanwhile, has had a couple of opportunities for the home side. We are all square at Loftus Road.
STATS! United have dominated the possession with 64%, while they have had four attempts - three of which have been on target. QPR, meanwhile, have hit the target with two of their nine attempts. There have also been two bookings following a couple of late challenge from Barton and Mata.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this afternoon, with the likes of Hoilett, Kranjcar, Taarabt and Zarate in reserve. United, meanwhile, are without the injured Robin van Persie, but Fellaini, Herrera, Adnan Januzaj and James Wilson are all in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Let's hope for a better half of football. It is the away side that resume the action at a noisy Loftus Road.
SUBS! One change for United at the break, with Fellaini replacing Mata. The home side have also made a change, with Caulker entering in place of Dunne.
It has been a decent start to the second period from United, with Valencia threatening in a wide position, but his low cross is just cut out by Caulker. Rooney finds space outside the box moments later, but the home side manage to close the space. There is more intensity about the visitors in this half.
CHANCE! The home side come close to taking the lead as Fer meets a free kick from Barton, but his header just moved wide of the post. First sight of goal for QPR in the second 45 minutes.
You just get the feeling that one goal would be enough to claim all the points in this match. Falcao again breaks into the final third, but the striker was in an offside position when he collected a pass from Valencia. It is still 3-5-2 for United, which is not going down well with the club's supporters.
Wilson is imminent for United, but for who?
Another half-chance for the home side as Barton delivers a cross towards the back post, but Blind clears over his own crossbar. Good pressure from the R's in the last couple of minutes as United struggle.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the away side as Di Maria finds Falcao with a cross, but Green is on hand to make a fine save. The Colombian really should have put his header past the stopper.
SUB! Wilson on for Evans for the away side.
GOAL! QPR 0-1 Man United (Fellaini)
United take the lead just before the hour as Fellaini controls a Valencia cross inside the box before firing his effort into the top corner. It had been coming there is no question about that!
United have gone to a back four and suddenly look more dangerous as Di Maria picks up the ball outside the box, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar. United are in control here.
United might lead, but there is still plenty of football to be played this afternoon. The home side have not been able to create any chances since the United goal, but they are now pressing numbers forward.
Vargas tries his luck from outside the box, but his effort was always straight into the arms of De Gea. United are down the other end moments later, but Barton comes across top challenge Blind. Not too much in terms of chances since the visitors took the lead some six minutes ago through Fellaini.
Falcao drives down the left for the away side before delivering a low cross towards Wilson, but Caulker is on hand to make the clearance. The home side are down the other end moments later with Vargas, whose cross falls to Fer, but the midfielder's effort is high and wide. Little over 20 minutes to play.
BOOKING! Rojo (United) is booked for a late challenge on Zamora.
QPR have the chance to threaten from the resulting free kick, but Vargas's delivery comes off the head of Austin and moves behind for a goal kick. Taarabt will soon enter the field for the R's...
SUB! The change is made as Taarabt replaces Fer.
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and still United lead courtesy of that strike from Fellaini. QPR are forcing the issue, but they are not creating too much in terms of clear opportunities. Austin delivers a dangerous cross towards the far post, but Zamora was always too far away from the action.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side to equalise as Carrick and Rojo clash in the middle of the park, which allows Vargas to lead a three-on-one attack, but the midfielder picks the wrong ball and eventually the away side have a goal-kick. Just terrible from Vargas there.
CHANCE! Oh my word. Another wonderful chance, this time for United as Wilson flashes a low cross towards Falcao, but the striker somehow could not make contact at the far post. Caulker made contact, but the striker should still have scored. It really should be 2-0.
Wilson to Falcao occurs once again, but once more the striker cannot make contact on the cross.
SUB! QPR make their third change as Kranjcar replaces Zamora.
Little under 10 minutes of normal time remaining and the score is still 1-0 United. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match, but the away side are looking the most likely at the moment.
BOOKING! Hill (QPR) is booked for a pull on Fellaini.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for United to secure the point as Di Maria delivers a beautiful cross towards the far post, but somehow QPR scramble clear under such intense pressure.
It is all United at the moment as the Red Devils go in search of their second goal.
Fellaini has been very good since arriving at the interval and the Belgian wins another free kick for his side as United slow the pace in the final minutes. Injury time will be very interesting indeed here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Isla breaks into the United box before firing one towards the bottom corner, but De Gea is on hand to make a super, super save.
We are into the second of four additional minutes here.
Possession football from United as they retain the ball in the final third, but there might be one more chance left in this for the home side. We are entering last-chance saloon of that there is no doubt.
GOAL! QPR 0-2 Man United (Wilson)
United score their second of the match as Di Maria leads a counter before finding Wilson, who first brings a fine save from Green, but the striker is on hand to fire home the rebound.
SUB! United make their final change as Herrera replaces Di Maria.
FULL-TIME: QPR 0-2 Man United
So there we have it. United record just their third away league win of the season as goals from Fellaini and Wilson secure all the points against QPR, who remain in the relegation zone. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action from the capital. Good afternoon!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
