QPR 0-2 Manchester United: Substitutes on Target to Earn Crucial United Win
Manchester United earned their third away win of the season against QPR on Saturday afternoon, thanks to second half goals from substitute pair Marouane Fellaini and James Wilson.
The visitors carried far more of a threat in the latter stages after a languid opening half, and earned their goals shortly after making a tactical switch to a more-natural-looking 4-4-2 diamond.
United suffered a late blow before kick off as Chris Smalling was made to withdraw from the starting line up for Jonny Evans, though the main news ahead of the game was Radamel Falcao returning in place of the injured Robin van Persie. QPR had never beaten United in the Premier League before and Harry Redknapp continued with a front two of Charlie Austin and Bobby Zamora.
Austin would have as big an impact as anybody in an overly drab first half, which mainly consisted of the visitors maintaining possession in front of Harry Redknapp’s side. As United fans may have come to expect by now, there was plenty to see in the way of that possession being relinquished too easily in dangerous positions.
Falcao had the first big chance after a diagonal pass from Juan Mata found him in the box, but he could only fire the ball at Rob Green after bringing the ball down gently. His rebound shot ended up bouncing out for a corner – which inexplicably centre half Phil Jones would end up taking (unsuccessfully, as you’d expect – and that wasn’t the only time either).
United’s ropey play ended up leading to the home side’s first chance too, with Austin testing De Gea on the half volley. Joey Barton’s ball through to the forward sat up nicely, but the Spaniard was able to parry it to his right.
Just minutes later Austin would benefit from a similar opportunity – with United’s 29 passes in front of QPR amounting to nothing – and just one direct ball through to the Englishman. His subsequent shot forced De Gea into another acrobatic stop.
The visitors failed to control possession in dangerous areas, with the front two of Angel Di Maria and Falcao particularly struggling to hold on to the ball in the crowded and physical final third. To swing some strength in United’s favour, Louis van Gaal brought on Marouane Fellaini at half time in place of Juan Mata.
After a half chance for Leroy Fer, United would create their best opening of the game after a sharp break early in the second half. Di Maria swung in an excellent cross from the right side, and Colombian striker Falcao found himself with a free header – though Green was again equal to the attempt.
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