Stop me if you've heard this one before: Manchester United didn't look brilliant, but never looked like losing and deserved three points against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Sunday. Wayne Rooney scored a goal for the Red Devils in the opening minute, and they were in control from there. QPR had opportunities to score goals of their own, but their finishing was poor and Manchester United kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win.
Rooney's goal came on a great header on a cross by Antonio Valencia just seconds into the match. QPR's defending on the goal was poor, not having any time to ease into the flow of the game. United controlled possession throughout the rest of the first half, and QPR could only create on the counter. United created some chances before the end of the second half, with Johnny Evans hitting the crossbar with a header and Phil Jones forcing a save out of Radek Cerny, who had a solid game.
However, he could have done a bit better on the second goal, scored by Michael Carrick. More blame will fall to the outfield players who allowed Carrick, of all people, to run 60 yards with the ball, but his low shot at the end of the run was nothing special and should have been stopped. Carrick's 56th minute goal felt like the clincher at the time, and it would turn out to be the final goal of the match.
For more on the Red Devils, check out Manchester United blog the Busby Babe.