Manchester United scored three goals in eight second-half minutes to complete a quick turnaround against rockbottom Queens Park Rangers this afternoon, with new Rangers manager Harry Redknapp watching on from the stands at Old Trafford.
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Robin van Persie looked the most likely to find the net in an opening half-hour of few chances. The Dutchman came closest in the 20th minute when his shot from Danny Welbeck's cutback could only bulge the side netting.
United continued to press for an opener and Ashley Young watched a left-footed volley fly just wide before Julio Cesar kept out Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney with his legs.
QPR thought that they had taken a shock lead 10 minutes before the interval when Jamie Mackie headed Djibril Cisse's cross into the net but he was judged to be offside.
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Rangers did manage to grab the first goal seven minutes into the second half when Kieron Dyer, getting a rare start, fed Jamie Mackie to sweep home.
The visitors almost doubled their advantage instantly but Cisse decided to have a go on the counter-attack instead of laying in Mackie.
United levelled in the 64th minute when Jonny Evans instinctively turned home Welbeck's knockdown and it was soon disaster for QPR.
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The hosts' second came courtesy of Darren Fletcher in his first Premier League appearance in over a year as the Scot rose highest to flick home Wayne Rooney's corner.
It was soon three as substitute Javier Hernandez collected Anderson's pass and lashed past Cesar.
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Three points for United see them provisionally go top of the table, with Manchester rivals City facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow. QPR stay bottom, five points from safety.
Pascal Lemesre
