Date: 24th February 2013 at 3:05am
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Wayne Rooney celebrates with Ryan Giggs after United's 2nd

David De Gea: Wasn’t given much to do today but when called upon was reliable. Got a strong hand to a Loic Remy effort and saved well from Samba’s header. 7

Rafael: Every week it’s the same thing with the Brazilian, quality at the back and going forward, and nothing illustrated this more than in the first half when he cleared a QPR attempt off the line then moments later hit a diagonal pass to Robin Van Persie who’s volley was well saved by Cesar. Has grown immensely as a player.

Got himself on the scoresheet today with a decent effort too, nothing to write home about really… Seriously though that was a howitzer, Samba is probably thankful he never got his head onto Rafael’s thunderous volley!  9

Nemanja Vidic: It’s no coincidence that United are keeping clean sheets with more regularity now that Vidic is back. Reacquainted with old pal Ferdinand in defence and United are reaping the rewards, largely keeping QPR quiet this afternoon. Almost got on the scoresheet but headed wide from Giggs’ freekick. 7.5

Rio Ferdinand: Was his usual unhurried self today beside Vidic today, and was always on hand to clean up anything QPR’s attack offered. 7.5

Patrice Evra: Took a boot to the face from Townsend early on but wasn’t shaken and proceeded to put in a shift on the flank. Looked good getting forward but was also good in dealing with QPR’s wide threat. 7

Nani: Getting back into the swing of things, and today was another step in the right direction. Brilliantly set up Ryan Giggs for United’s second but couldn’t oblige when Giggs tried to repay the favour, skying his volley after Giggs’ deft chip came to him off the bar.

His work in the final third was impressive as came off the flank and looks a good shout for the right wing spot.  8

Ashley Young: Targeted by the QPR boo boys after his ‘dive’ against them last season, but looked impressive today. Put a number of tempting crosses into the box but was also guilty of giving the ball away too cheaply. 6.5

Michael Carrick: There were worries over how the midfield would work as Carrick was partnered with Giggs, but Carrick has been in imperious form this season and nothing changed today. Interceptions and positive passing especially impressive as QPR adopted a tactic of trying to shut him down in order to stop United. Will have loved United fans singing his name nonstop for over 10 minutes!  8

Ryan Giggs: In his 999th appearance Giggs showed why he is such a United legend with a game sealing goal. His best performances this season have come out wide but he was back in the center today, and whilst he took a while to warm up when he got going he impressed. Could have got another goal with a cheeky chip that left Cesar with no chance but was thwarted by the cross bar. 7

Robin Van Persie: Afternoon was sadly cut short by a freak injury after he crashed into a TV camera, but made the most of his time on the pitch. It was his parried shot that lead to Rafael’s goal and the two linked up again when he excellently volleyed a perfect ball from the Brazilian, only for Cesar to save. 6

Javier Hernandez: Movement gave QPR’s back line fits but just couldn’t seem to get his goal. Back header was saved by Cesar, and was inches away from getting on the end of Nani’s cross. Replaced by Rooney, perhaps prematurely, with 30 minutes to go. 6.5

Subs

Danny Welbeck: Brought on in place of Van Persie and brought a new energy to our attack. Jenas did well to keep him off the scoresheet twice. 7

Wayne Rooney: Was assumed he would miss the game so was good to see him, even if it was a sub appearance. Clint Hill did well to his effort out at 1-0. 6

Antonio Valencia: His cut back lead to Giggs’ chip hitting the bar and generally added to the performance without being spectacular. 6

 

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