Match Report: QPR 0-2 Manchester United

Manchester United played QPR at Loftus Road today in which they emerged victorious with a comfortable 2-0 win. The match was important for both sides in very contrasting ways. While Manchester United looked to grasp an incredible 15 point lead, QPR needed to get something out of this match in order to stay in contention for a spot in next year’s Premier League. With this in mind, Manchester United took no chances and played a very attacking line up. There were 7 changes to the side. Van Persie led the attack with Chicharito. Nani and Young were on the flanks and Giggs took on a central role along with Carrick. At the back, Vidic teamed up with Ferdinand while Sir Alex chose the regular Evra-Rafael combination for the wing backs. For QPR, Zamora started up front after speculation over his fitness during the week.

The match started off with QPR having the majority of possession. Neither of the teams had any great chances in the opening 15 minutes. United suffered from a minor blow when Van Persie pulled up after an injury. Chicharito had the first main chance of the game through a headed effort that almost found the the back of the net. United soon grew in to the game in terms of possession. They eventually scored off an absolute scorcher by Rafael when the ball fell into his path after César cleared out a Van Persie effort at goal. Rafael connected with it very cleanly and whacked the volley in the top corner, leaving César with no chance. United were 1 goal up and piling the pressure on QPR. Statistically, United have not lost a single match in the last 49 matches wherein they have netted the ball first. It didn’t seem QPR would have any chance looking at that statistic. The half can be summed up as ‘awful’ for QPR, who didn’t look threatening at all. They failed to penetrate in the box, with majority of their efforts being half hearted attempts from 25 odd yards out. Another talking point was the way January signing Samba played. He didn’t look like he was worth 12 million. He made several silly clearances, adding pressure on QPR by giving the ball away to United in the attacking half. A controversial moment in the half came late when United were denied a freekick after Townsend boot briefly struck Evra’s cheek. The half ended at 1-0 with Rafael’s screamer being the difference between the sides.

Manchester United started the second half much more positively. It was clear that Sir Alex’s main focus during the team talk was to get a quick second goal to seal the three points. United came close through a header by Nani which was saved by César. The intensity in United’s play soon broke down. Chicharito was substituted by Wayne Rooney whose presence on the field looked unlikely after just recovering from a sinus infection. Loic Remy was also brought in by Redknapp. Remy had an instant effect. His powerful shot was brilliantly handled by De Gea. This was perhaps QPR’s best chance in the entire match. Samba, who had a terrible first half, was much better in the second half. He won several headers in both the attacking and defensive halves. United’s play stepped up again in the last 10 minutes. Ryan Giggs found the net to wrap up the game. His shot went right across César, whose judgement could have been much better. The match was out of reach for QPR. The Reds could have extended their lead further through Welbeck and Giggs again. Giggs was unlucky to have his skillful chip strike the crossbar. The match ended at 2-0.

This win puts United 15 points ahead of City. Mancini already stated how City had a mere 10% chance of winning the premiership this season. The win puts immense pressure on City who play Chelsea on Sunday. Despite the possibility of City winning tomorrow’s match, I think that United have the premiership in the bag this time. With 9 matches left to play, United need to grab 15 points to win the league and that is assuming City win all 10 of their remaining fixtures. This is a daunting task for City who are yet to play teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.

As for QPR, their performance summed up their entire campaign. They weren’t solid at all in defense, their midfield lacked creativity and the attackers didn’t cause any trouble for the opposition’s defense. If Harry Redknapp want to rescue QPR, he’s going to have to make some serious tactical changes and on a more immediate note, he’s going to have to let the players know they have something to play for. QPR looked demoralized on the pitched and lacked desire. Several desperate attempts came from outside the box as well. It looks very difficult for QPR, though in terms of points it isn’t as daunting a task as it is for City to clinch the title like they did last year.