Manchester United opened up a 15-point lead at the top of the Premier League table on Saturday with a 2-0 win at Queens Park Rangers.

The visitors started with a bang at Loftus Road as Rafael lashed in a spectacular drive with 23 minutes played to give them a half-time lead.

Victory was sealed in the final 10 minutes as Ryan Giggs fired in on the angle in what was his 999th senior appearance.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two sides.

Match statistics:

QPR:
Shots 12
On target 5
Possession 50%
Corners 2
Fouls 10

Man Utd:
Shots 13
On target 8
Possession 50%
Corners 4
Fouls 6

Was the result fair?

It certainly was. While Queens Park Rangers enjoyed some decent spells of possession, United were ruthless when they got the ball. They created the better chances and could have had at least two more goals for their efforts.

QPR's performance

The hosts were largely toothless going forward, while their defence was appeared shaky with a lack of direction. There's plenty of exciting talent in the side, but they still look like a team shoved together by someone who has an old version of a football management simulation game. They need points and they need them fast.

Man Utd's performance

It wasn't a special performance from the visitors - more clinical if anything else. They exerted control in midfield through veterans Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick and there was also plenty of attacking intent down the flanks in the form of Nani and Ashley Young. The fixture could have been a possible disaster for United, but they came through untroubled.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Ryan Giggs: The mercurial Welshman was a model of calmness in midfield, consistently setting up attacks for his side. His first touch is arguably the best in the league and he was rewarded for his efforts with a goal that Julio Cesar had no chance of saving. He nearly had a second with a delightful chip that came back off the crossbar.

Biggest gaffe

The QPR defence could be considered one giant gaffe if they keep on as they are. However, some of the decision making from Christopher Samba was truly awful. He looked nowhere near match fitness and became a burden for his side.

Referee performance

It was, at times, a physical contest, but Anthony Taylor let play continue for the majority of the match. He did well to keep his cards in his pocket when some of the challenges flying about would have warranted a caution.

What next?

QPR: It is surely a must-win encounter for Rangers next Saturday when they travel to Southampton in the league.

Man Utd: The league leaders continue their quest for the title on Saturday with a home fixture against Norwich City.