QPR 0-2 Manchester United
Marouane Fellaini and James Wilson spared United’s blushes as they beat QPR 2-0 and claimed only their third away win of the season. Starting once again with three at the back, United struggled to create too many chances in the first half. Aside from a Radamel Falcao shot that was saved by Rob Green, the Red Devils were anonymous in attack.
The introduction of Marouane Fellaini in place of Juan Mata added some much-needed strength in midfield and it was the Belgian who opened the scoring just before the hour mark from a Antonio Valencia cross. Although United were hanging on towards the ended and were thankful to David De Gea for a couple of crucial saves, Wilson’s goal deep into stoppage time secured a vital three points for the Red Devils, who claimed their first League win of the calendar year.
Here are the major talking points from the game.
1. Wilson stakes his claim for a starting berth
All the talk in the build-up to the game was about Radamel Falcao and Louis Van Gaal’s decision to drop the Colombian striker from the squad last week. With Robin Van Persie injured and Wayne Rooney being deployed in central midfield, the Colombian was always going to start against QPR. But it was another striker, who stole the limelight at Loftus Road. Ever since making his debut against Hull last season, James Wilson has been on the fringes of the first-team.
His performance against QPR, after he came on, showed just why he deserves not only a place in the squad, but perhaps even a starting berth at United. The Englishman’s pace and industry simply proved too much for QPR, who struggled to cope with him. On two occasion, Wilson got behind the defense and put in a dangerous cross into the box, but Falcao missed it on both occasions. And in the final minute of stoppage time, the 19-year-old showed how it’s done as he scored his first goal of the season and capped off a brilliant cameo, which will only increase the pressure on Van Gaal.