Manchester United bounced back from the home defeat by Southampton to maintain their pursuit of a top four place and increase pressure on Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp with victory at Loftus Road.
Manager Louis van Gaal heard the first sounds of revolt from United fans towards the end of a dismal first half when they called for him to ditch his favoured 5-3-2 formation.
Van Gaal responded by introducing Marouane Fellaini for Juan Mata at the start of the second half and the giant Belgian answered the call by putting United ahead with an emphatic finish.
The goal was harsh on QPR after England prospect Charlie Austin – watched from the directors’ box by manager Roy Hodgson – twice brought fine saves out of United keeper David de Gea before the interval.
United’s confidence increased with that goal and with QPR pressing in desperation for an equaliser, substitute James Wilson secured the three points with the second on the break in the dying seconds.
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