Marouane Fellaini and James Wilson were both on the scoresheet as Manchester United beat Queens Park Rangers 2-0 at Loftus Road on Saturday.
Both sides struggled for chances in the first half, but second-half efforts from Fellaini and Wilson secured all the points for the visitors.
The result has left QPR in the bottom three, while United have moved above Southampton into third.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Premier League rivals.
Match statistics
QPR
Shots: 18
On target: 4
Possession: 38%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 12
MAN UNITED
Shots: 11
On target: 6
Possession: 62%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 10
Was the result fair?
In truth, there is little arguing that United deserved to claim all the points at Loftus Road. The first 45 minutes was a torrid affair, with neither side creating too much in terms of chances. That was also the case in the early stages of the second period, but the match turned just before the hour when Wilson was introduced and United went 4-4-2. Within one minute of Wilson's introduction, the visitors were ahead courtesy of a powerful effort from Fellaini, who replaced Juan Mata at the break.
QPR's tempo increased as they searched for a leveller, but they did not really create too many chances, with David de Gea fairly comfortable in the United goal. Instead, it was the 20-time English champions that looked for the second of the match and that arrived deep into stoppage time. QPR have been strong at home this season, but they were really disappointing here.
QPR's performance
According to various reports, QPR boss Harry Redknapp was under severe pressure entering this match. Well, the formation that the experienced manager selected offered the impression that he was prepared to go down fighting. Leading scorer Charlie Austin was joined by Bobby Zamora in attack, while Eduardo Vargas offered a threat from a wide position. The R's had their moments, with Austin having a couple of half-chances, but it was one of their poorer home performances this season.
Defensively, they frustrated United for long spells, especially when the visitors lined up with a 3-5-2 formation, but that changed in the final 30 minutes. That isn't to say that the hosts did not have chances late on, with Vargas and Mauricio Isla both coming close, but neither could level the scores. A second United goal was always likely as QPR pushed for an equaliser and the pace of Wilson indeed provided that avenue. As it stands, QPR remain 19th in the table, but they are just one point from safety.
Man United's performance
As touched upon above, United were really, really poor in the first period. Again, it was a 3-5-2 formation, with Angel di Maria supporting the returning Radamel Falcao. The latter had a golden chance in the first half, but brought a fine save from Rob Green. The same old problems were apparent in defensive areas, meanwhile, with Phil Jones and Jonny Evans sloppy in possession. The return of Marcos Rojo to the back-line was a positive, however, with the Argentine looking solid.
That said, United were more like the United of old in the final 30 minutes. As soon as Louis van Gaal went 4-4-2, the tempo changed and their opening goal arrived. Wilson's pace aided Falcao, while Di Maria was allowed to take up clever positions in the final third of the field. In truth, they should have made it more comfortable in the latter stages, but Falcao was guilty of missing a couple of excellent opportunities. The missed chances ultimately did not cost the visitors, however, with Wilson securing the points late on. There is still much to work on, but surely Van Gaal will now drop the 3-5-2. Surely.
Sports Mole's man of the match
James Wilson: Wilson is still just 19, but he turned this match in the final 30 minutes. Before the striker's introduction, United were struggling for ideas, but that changed when the teenager entered the field. He should have had a couple of assists after twice setting up Falcao, but the Colombian could not convert. Wilson's pace remained such a danger in the latter stages and the forward got his goal in stoppage time. A strong case for a start next time out has been made.
Biggest gaffe
Falcao missed a glorious chance in the second period, but on second viewing, QPR centre-back Steven Caulker just got a toe on Wilson's cross. Therefore, that is not included here. Instead, Vargas picks up the award for a moment in the second period after Michael Carrick and Rojo had collided. Vargas led a three-on-one counter in the home side's favour, but refused to release the ball and United were allowed the time to get players behind the ball. It really should have been a simple pass into Austin, who would have been in a central area with only De Gea to beat.
Referee performance
United felt that they should have had a penalty early on when Joey Barton pulled Wayne Rooney to the floor inside the box, but referee Neil Swarbrick was not interested. Aside from that, it was a fairly straight-forward afternoon for the referee. He awarded five yellow cards and angered the home supporters with some decisions, especially late on, but neither manager will have any serious complaints with his performance. For once, the referee will not be the main topic of conservation.
What next?
QPR: The R's will attempt to end their 10-game losing away run when they travel to Stoke City in the league on January 31.
Man United: Van Gaal's side will travel to Cambridge United in the fourth round of the FA Cup next Friday. Their next league match is at home to Leicester City on January 31.
Matt Law
