Half-time: Man Utd 3 QPR 0

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Angel Di Maria’s 24th-minute free-kick – his first goal for Manchester United – put them ahead before strikes from Ander Herrera and Wayne Rooney put them in total control.

Following a needless foul by Clint Hill, Argentine Di Maria whipped a great delivery in from the right flank that flashed past everyone, including Rob Green, and into the far corner of the net.

Di Maria was also involved in United’s second, carrying the ball 50 yards before finding Rooney.

The England captain’s shot was blocked but Herrera pounced on the loose ball and belted home from near the edge of the penalty area.

And Rooney fired past Green at his near post a minute before the break, taking full advantage after Steven Caulker was far too slow to challenge him.

QPR, thrashed 4-0 at Tottenham in their last away league match, had got men behind the ball and managed to keep United at bay in the opening 20 minutes.

Rio Ferdinand, playing against the club he spent 12 years with, was given a rousing reception by the home fans and was presented with a special trinket by United legend Sir Bobby Charlton just before kick-off.

But Ferdinand and the rest of the visiting defence were soon under pressure as United, full of optimism after a number of eye-catching signings, made a predictably high-tempo start to the game.

Former Chelsea man Juan Mata fired over after being found by Herrera, but otherwise Harry Redknapp’s side kept their shape well and keeper Green did not have a shot to save before Di Maria’s goal changed everything.

Rangers have barely threatened, but out of nothing were given a chance to equalise after David de Gea’s misjudgement left the United keeper in no man’s land, but Matt Phillips’ tame effort was easily cleared by Jonny Evans.

QPR are without midfielders Joey Barton and Jordon Mutch at Old Trafford, where Sandro is making his debut and Niko Kranjcar is making his first appearance since returning on loan.

Barton had been expected to recover from a hamstring injury in time to play, while Mutch has also been nursing a knock.

For United, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind are making their debuts, while fellow new signing Radamel Falcao is on the bench.

QPR: Green; Isla, Caulker, Ferdinand, Hill; Sandro, Kranjcar, Fer; Phillips, Hoilett; Austin.
Subs: McCarthy, Traore, Zamora, Onuoha, Taarabt, Henry, Vargas.

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