Sunday 18/12/2011
Premier League
Manchester United comfortably defeat QPR to keep their title charge on course.
Sir Alex Ferguson had the rare opportunity to name an unchanged side from the team that put four past Wolves last Saturday, with his squad incurring no new injuries. This meant Phil Jones again started in the centre of midfield along side Michael Carrick. Danny Welbeck partnered Wayne Rooney upfront.
United made a flying start as Antonio Valencia whipped in a cross from the right with Wayne Rooney capitalising, heading home at the far post within the first minute. The early breakthrough subdued the home crowd as United looked far the better team. Radek Cerny was putting in a big performance in the Rangers goal keeping United's advantage at one goal as he blocked off a Danny Welbeck run in the opening stages.
QPR played their way back into the game with grit and determination not allowing United any time on the ball and even creating a chance of their own when Heidar Helguson headed just over from a Joey Barton cross. As the game neared half time, it was the Manchester side on top of the game, they should have gone ahead when Jonny Evans header hit the bar, moments later Phil Jones shot was well saved after he was one on one with Cerny following a fantastic Wayne Rooney through ball.
United had another chance to got two ahead, but Cerny came to the rescue again palming Valencia's close range shot off the line. QPR almost made United pay for their missed opportunists, but David De Gea was on hand to save a Helguson shot with his feet. United went into half time in complete control off the game but would they be left to rue missed chances in the second half?
United came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders and almost scored as quickly as they did in the first half, in bizarre circumstances. QPR kicked off the second half with only 10 men on the field as Danny Gabbidon was still in the changing rooms receiving treatment. Wayne Rooney charged through on goal but his first touch let him down as the glorious opportunity fizzled out. However it didn't take long for United to double their lead when in the 56th minute Michael Carrick made an impressive run from his own half slotting the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. The goal was Carrick's first for 70 games, his delight was apparent as he celebrated with the fans. The goal deflated QPR's chance of a comeback.
The reds continued to create as Danny Welbeck saw his curling effort well saved again by Cerny, before Phil Jones came close again when he hit the post. QPR should have reduced the deficit when second half substitute DJ Campbell latched onto the end of an excellent Adel Taarabt cross, but he somehow managed to loop his shot over the bar from 5 yards.
United saw the game out to pick up their sixth away victory of the season, already more than their entire campaign last season, however the manager will be unhappy with the amount of missed chances as United could have easily scored five. An important three points as United keep pace with the leaders in the title race.
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