Man United vs QPR: 6 Things We Learned About Red Devils' Title Hopes in 2-0 Win

Not to sound cocky, but the only thing that surprised me about Manchester United's 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers was that fans at Old Trafford didn't see more goals scored.

It was a devastating Sunday match for QPR fans, as the Red Devils drove another nail into the newly-promoted club's chances of staying in the Premier League this season.

Super Hoops captain Shaun Derry was ejected after he made minimal contact with Ashley Young in the penalty area, and Wayne Rooney's score off the subsequent PK made it 1-0 for the Red Devils—all before the 15th minute of play.

The ageless Paul Scholes scored his third goal of the season in the final third of the match, making it 2-0 and finishing off any hopes of a resurrection for Queens Park Rangers this Easter afternoon.

Manchester United's win widened their gap with cross-town rivals Manchester City, putting them eight points in front for the league title this year with just six matches to go.

There's a lot to take away from the Red Devils' latest shellacking of Queens Park Rangers, but I'm here to give you the six biggest lessons we learned about Manchester United and their title hopes.

Defenders Best in the League as of Late

Take a guess at the last time Manchester United conceded a goal in league play. Go ahead; I'll give you time.

Can't remember? Don't worry; you're probably not alone.

It was March 4, at Tottenham, when the Red Devils were hoodwinked into giving up a score. That means it's been more than seven weeks—and five league opponents—since Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans and the rest of United's back line allowed a goal.

And it's not just the shutouts, it's the way the Red Devils are dominating their third of the pitch.

Against Queens Park Rangers, they didn't even allowed a targeted shot on goal. In the last five matches, they've allowed 12—a superb 2.4 shots per game average.

...David De Gea Isn't Too Shabby Himself

OK, so he had very, very little to do on Sunday—what with his defenders keeping him from seeing a shot on goal all afternoon—but he's still been in top form since the January transfer window closed. Plus, a fifth straight clean sheet is nothing to sneeze at.

The Spaniard has nine clean sheets on the year so far. He won't come anywhere near winning the Golden Glove, but a continue in his strong performances will make it difficult for any of Manchester United's upcoming opponents—Manchester City included—to net a goal in the back of the net.

Wayne Rooney STILL Doesn't Have to Score

...although it's nice when he does.

Sure, the league's second-leading goal-scorer (behind Arsenal's Robin van Persie) can light up and scoreboard and take over a match when he wants to. Rooney will be sure to get some press for his first goal in a few matches, but the goal wasn't that tough, nor was it that necessary.

It's Rooney's (dare I say it!) growing humility that has launched Manchester United to an eight-point lead. His willingness to dump the ball off to a teammate and his continued improvement in passing has helped the Red Devils surpass the Blues in goal differential and wins.

Paul Scholes Knows How to Shake the Rust Off

He's a 37-year-old who's made just a dozen appearances this season, and he's still out-maneuvering players 15 years his junior.

The veteran midfielder's performance on Sunday was vintage Scholes, and his goal from near 30 yards out couldn't have looked any prettier. His passes through the middle of the field (and between the legs of Queens Park Rangers defenders) couldn't have been more pinpoint.

None of us knew how much Scholes had left in the tank at the beginning of the season. None of us aside from manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has squeezed that lemon nearly dry.

If there's a few drops left—and from his performance, it's very likely there is—the Red Devils will be able to use him in pressure-packed minutes for the remainder of the season.

Midfield Is Too Talented for Words

...but I'm going to try and describe them anyway.

If there's one thing the Red Devils midfield does better than any other in the league, it's keeping possession. Check out the efficiency Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and the rest of the midfield has displayed in recent weeks:

Against West Bromwich Albion: 65 percent

Against Wolverhampton: 59 percent

Against Fulham: 60 percent

Against Blackburn: 73 percent

Against Queens Park Rangers: 73 percent

That's an average of 66 percent possession per match for Manchester United. If the midfield can continue to keep the ball for two-thirds of the match, the club's going to win the title.

Red Devils Bench Better Than Most Starters

Just look at the men Ferguson has on the bench at his disposal—Tom Cleverly, Phil Jones, Ryan Giggs, Javier Hernandez and Park Ji-Sung. These are players for whom most teams would kill for.

When Cleverly came in off the bench this afternoon, he made the most of it, putting in a technically-sound 16 minutes. Giggs was a master of possession for the half-hour he was on the pitch. Jones made for a seamless transition from Rafael at right-back.

These players would play on most teams' starting XI, but because their good play is overshadowed by great play from fellow Red Devils, they're relegated to the bench.

That depth is of incredible importance when you're talking about the end stretch of a tough season when injuries are mounting, starters are getting tired and you're still looking for the league title.