Manchester United 4-0 Queens Park Rangers

Manchester United strolled to an easy 4-0 victory over an insipid Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford and while the opposition was weak, and hardly threatened their goal, United can take heart that they still haven’t lost the art of being a flat-track bully against such opposition. The result was also satisfying as it saw the new players at the club make an impression, and the Red Devils played with re-invogorated vigour and demonstrated a great brand of free flowing football.Here are five talking points from a hugely satisfying return from the international break for Louis Van Gaal and Manchester United

#1 Van Gaal and United back to trusted 4 man defence

Daley Blind protected the defense well, as Tyler Blackett (in background) will attest to

For all his obsession with the 3-5-2 formation at the World Cup, Van Gaal has always been more comfortable with 4 men at the back. The welcome return of Rafael after recovering from injury saw United line up with four at the back for the first time this season, and they looked much the better for it – admittedly against tepid opposition.

Rafael may well turn out to one of the main components of Van Gaal’s squad, his offensive and defensive qualities marking him out as a very good fullback – something United looked in dire need of. If Rafael can stay fit, his presence in the team will give it a better shape.

Daley Blind’s presence at the front of the back four also gave a much needed sense of security to the whole set-up.

#2 Angel Di Maria is a superstar

Angel Di Maria sets off on one of his trademark dribbles as Daley Blind looks on

Yes, yes, we all know this already – but Angel Di Maria really is a bonafide superstar of the highest order. On his Old Trafford debut, Di Maria showed off his divine sporting abilities as he drove the team forward at great pace and with a stamina that borders on the frightening. He brought with him the kind of pace and sheer drive that United seemed to be lacking all of last season

The goal he scored may have been unintentional – but the delivery was perfect, and it was one hell of a ball for the returning Rio Ferdinand and his chums to deal with. He created the second goal with a lung-bursting, mazy, Giggs-esque run and set up the fourth in an all round display of great footballing skill.

He was subbed off after a fantastic display to a standing ovation which will continue if he keeps performing the same way.

#3 The new additions are starting to click for United

Wayne Rooney celebrating his 175th league goal with his teammates

Playing as the fixed base of a fluid midfield diamond, Daley Blind, hardly put a foot wrong all match and brought a much needed sense of calmness and steel to the centre of midfield. Ander Herrera too excelled in the middle of the park, running all day and keeping the play moving with his quick passing.

His goal was a well taken shot that Old Trafford must hope is a harbinger of things to come. Falcao looked a little bit rusty – understandably after a long injury layoff , but the whole team seems to be clicking as an offensive unit.

Van Persie’s lay off for Falcao late in the game, when he would normally (99.9% of the time) have gone for the shot, showed promise that a strike partnership could yet develop. The team were selfless (apart from Januzaj’s late attempt) and it augurs well for the times to come

#4 QPR will struggle to remain afloat this season

Karl Henry (R) can’t stop Ander Herrera from passing the ball as United dominate midfield

QPR were a sham today, defensively as well as going forward – where Nico Kranjcar spent most of the match playing as though he was walking through treacle. They struggled to tap the potential of their pacy wingers Hoillett and Phillips.

Understandably they were set up to protect their own goal rather than make much of an attempt at scoring a couple of their own, but seeing as how spectacularly that failed and how shaky the United defence did look at times – they could have gained something by having a more pro-active strategy, at least the consolation and morale boost of a goal or two away at Old Trafford.

As it is though, it looks like QPR will struggle against most of the top half, and their survival seems entirely dependent on how they play the other relegation contenders. If anyone can make it happen though, it’s Harry Redknapp.

P.S. I’m not thinking about the FFP sword hanging over the Rangers’ heads.

#5 The United defence needs shoring up but injuries have taken their toll

Angel Di Maria’s pescence added substance to the midfield as he is seen bossing Sandro

Louis van Gaal had jokingly said that he couldn’t have picked a defensive five, even if he wanted to- such has been the raft of injuries that United have picked up – especially defensively. Having said that though, there were moments of real panic in that defence, notably when first De Gea misjudged a clearance completely only to have Evans save his blushes, and secondly when young Tyler Blackett lost his bearings and let the dangerous Vargas (who should have started for QPR) in on goal.

This United defence will have to stand up to far sterner tests than the one the belegaured Londoners threw at them. Van Gaal will have his work cut out to handle the injuries and sort out the defense with the players he has at his disposal, but the solidity of Blind and the steel of Di Maria (who is underrated defensively) will surely be one of the many positives the Dutchman will take with him after this most emphatic of victories