Manchester United are just 45 minutes away from opening up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
The Red Devils currently lead Queens Park Rangers 1-0 at the break courtesy of a penalty from Wayne Rooney.
United called visiting goalkeeper Paddy Kenny into action early in the encounter, with the shot stopper proving himself to be equal to efforts from Jonny Evans and Rooney.
However, in the 14th minute United broke the deadlock. Despite appearing to be in an offside position, Ashley Young was played through on goal by Rooney. The winger's run was halted inside the area by Shaun Derry, who was handed his marching orders for a nudge in the back. Rooney stepped up to dispatch the resultant penalty past Kenny.
Young glazed a header wide as Sir Alex Ferguson's side looked to make their numerical advantage count, while Rooney saw an effort from distance held by Kenny at the second attempt.
In a rare venture forward, Adel Taarabt saw his goalbound effort blocked by Evans in the 34th minute.
QPR were one place above the drop zone heading into the match.
Liam Apicella
