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Match Analysis: Manchester United 4-0 Queens Park Rangers

Sports Mole takes a closer look at Manchester United's 4-0 thrashing of QPR in the Premier League.

Manchester United picked up their first win of the season on Sunday with a comfortable 4-0 victory at home to Queens Park Rangers.

Angel di Maria put the hosts ahead on 24 minutes before goals from Ander Herrera and Wayne Rooney gave United a commanding lead at the break.

Louis van Gaal's side then sealed the points after half time when Juan Mata found the net with an hour played.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams at Old Trafford.

Match statistics

Man Utd
Shots: 19
On target: 9
Possession: 69%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 11

QPR
Shots: 9
On target: 2
Possession: 31%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 8

Was the result fair?

Manchester United were fully deserving of the three points thanks to a dominant display against a hapless QPR. The hosts showed superb focus and intensity throughout, while the visitors struggled to impose themselves on the game at all.

Man Utd's performance

The Red Devils began the match at a high tempo, and they managed to keep that up for most of the afternoon. There were one or two moments defensively that might have had the manager worried, but it was in attack where they imposed themselves brilliantly. Angel di Maria, Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney caused QPR most of the problems with their dynamism and energy, while Ander Herrera and Daley Blind provided good cover in midfield. United still have a long way to go before they start providing a consistent challenge around the top of the table, though this result and performance will give everyone at the club a much-needed lift.

QPR's performance

The visitors had a couple of chances in the first half that might have changed the complexion of the game, but the result says it all when it comes to their abject display. There was a lack of organisation in defence and midfield, while Charlie Austin was made to feed off scraps up front. It could be argued that QPR were not allowed to play because of United's imperious performance, though, in truth, the away side never looked like they had the desire to cause an upset. Having already been on the end of a 4-0 defeat this season at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Redknapp will need to pick his players up quickly following this result.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Angel Di Maria: The Argentine winger stole the show at Old Trafford, terrorising the QPR defence with his pace and power. His afternoon started well enough by giving United the lead, but it was his overall display that really caught the eye. The former Real Madrid man was involved in all of his side's attacks and he also showed his worth at the other end of the pitch by getting back to help out his teammates in defence when necessary.

Biggest gaffe

Matt Phillips had a great chance to get QPR level in the first half when he was gifted the ball by David de Gea, only to see his shot blocked by Jonny Evans. Had the youngster put a bit more power into his shot then the visitors could have got a foothold in the game at a crucial juncture.

Referee performance

Phil Dowd could have awarded United a penalty in the first half when Herrera clashed with Clint Hill, but the official did the right thing by waving away the appeals from the home side. Apart from that incident, Dowd had a solid 90 minutes at Old Trafford.

What next?

Man Utd: With no European football on the agenda this season, United continue their Premier League campaign next Sunday with a trip to Leicester City.

QPR: The Hoops are back in Premier League action on Saturday when they host Stoke City.

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Angel Di Maria of Manchester United is congratulated by team-mate Juan Mata after scoring the first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford on September 14, 2014
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