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New-look Manchester United turn on the style to beat QPR

September 14, 2014 by Tony Bugby

MAN UNITED 4, QPR 0

Manchester United rediscovered their swagger of old on the day when Louis van Gaal recorded his first victory as manager.

The Reds, who had five of their new signings appearing on the Old Trafford team sheet for the first time, overpowered newly-promoted Queens Park Rangers to record their first Premier League victory of the season.

There were goals for Angel Di Maria on his home debut, a first for the club for Ander Herrera while Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata also found the net as the fans also had something to sing a season and a bit in which they have been starved of success.

United’s new manager was also happy with his side’s performance, though he added there will be even better to come.

He said: “With a 4-0 result, I can be happy as coach, although you are always looking for points to improve.

“We were a lot more dominant, scored goals, created chances and, just as importantly, kept a clean sheet.

“The result was fantastic, but we can do much better, but it is a good start.

“I said before the game let’s make a new start now the transfer period is over, and we have made a good start.”

Van Gaal, who had played with three at the back in his earlier matches, switched to a flat back four and a diamond in midfield.

It worked a treat as United were far more dynamic than in their first three league matches as the new system suited the players who played a fast, attacking brand of football with Di Maria oozing class and showing why, at £59.7million, he is Britain’s costliest player.

There were United debuts for Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind, who were in the starting line up which also included Di Maria who was making his home bow, while Radamel Falcao and Luke Shaw were on the bench for the first time.

The changing of the guard was reinforced as there was an emotional Old Trafford return for Rio Ferdinand who left for QPR in the summer with Sir Bobby Charlton making a pre-match presentation to the central defender.

And it was a dream debut for Di Maria as the Argentinian fired United ahead midway through the opening period when his free kick eluded the visiting defence and bounced past keeper Robert Green into the far corner of the net.

QPR almost drew level after a defensive mix up left keeper David De Gea stranded out of his goal. Matt Phillips shot towards the unguarded goal only for Jonny Evans to slide in to clear the danger.

United were soon 2-0 ahead after Di Maria and Wayne Rooney linked on the left to set up Herrera whose low drive from the edge of the box found the bottom corner. It was the Spaniard’s first goal for the Reds following his summer move from Athletic Bilbao.

Wayne Rooney got into the scoring act making it 3-0 just before half time with a low shot from the edge of the area which followed a slick passing move with Herrera supplying the final ball. It was his 175th Premier League goal as he drew level with Thierry Henry in third place on the all-time list.

And it got better just short of the hour when United added a fourth goal. Di Maria’s pulled his shot which was flying wide, but it fell invitingly at the feet of Mata who fired into the roof of the net from eight yards.

There was an even bigger roar midway through the second period when Colombian Falcao made his entrance as Rooney slotted into midfield.

Falcao almost added a fifth when his shot was blocked by Green who parried the initial drive from Blind. Substitute Adnan Januzaj was also denied by Green in the last minute as United again almost added to their tally.

Filed Under: Manchester United, Match Report, Premier League Tagged With: Ander Herrera, Angel Di Maria, Juan Mata, Louis van Gaal, QPR, Wayne Rooney

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