Manchester United vs QPR: Winners and Losers from Premier League Game
Manchester United's season is finally up and running thanks to a stunning 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday afternoon.
Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo all debuted at Old Trafford, proving they're all top-tier players in a complete and utter whitewash.
Here, we've picked out four winners and three losers from the spectacle, so read on and see if you agree with our selections.
Winner: Ander Herrera, the "Forgotten" Man?
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You'd be forgiven for forgetting about Ander Herrera a little, as despite only signing this summer, the acquisitions of Angel Di Maria and Co. have pushed him out of the spotlight.
His contribution on Sunday was eye-popping, grabbing two assists and a goal in the first half and keeping it neat in the second.
The Spaniard combines superbly with Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney.
Loser: Robin van Persie
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Four Manchester United goals, four different goalscorers, but no joy for Robin van Persie.
The Dutchman accidentally hit the woodwork with a cross that went wrong on the stretch, but that's about as much joy as he had in a disappointing game for him.
Usually this wouldn't be a problem—after all, the team win is most important, right?—but with Radamel Falcao breathing down his neck, any average showing is a mistake.
Loser: Rio Ferdinand, Who Struggled Through His Homecoming
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Rio Ferdinand's homecoming to Old Trafford did not go as he or Harry Redknapp will have hoped.
"His name is Rio and he's caught in no man's land.
— #Cutteridge (@JamieCutteridge) September 14, 2014"
He started fairly brightly as Queens Park Rangers made an early stand, but the pressure continued to build, the defensive line broke and the goals soon flooded in.
Ferdinand got worse and worse as the game wore on, culminating in him allowing Juan Mata a free cross in the box to fire home.
Winner: Daley Blind, Who IS the Defensive Midfielder United Need
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Daley Blind is a fantastic purchase, and he didn't take long to impress the Old Trafford faithful with his quiet, yet important, set of skills.
The one who mops up in front of the back four often goes unheralded, and the Dutchman went about his business calmly and nonchalantly on Sunday.
It's clear he won't be affected by any form of pressure to perform.
Winner: Juan Mata, Who Proved His Worth in the Diamond
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Juan Mata's future has been the subject of much debate over the last few months, with many possible formation permutations excluding the No. 8 from his best role.
But the 4-4-2 diamond Louis van Gaal rolled out on Sunday suited him down to the ground, and the quick-fire passing and interchanging unlocked the best from him.
His goal was the icing on the cake as he sent a message to everyone in the world. Don't forget about Mata, he's still eager to have his say.
Loser: Harry Redknapp
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Harry Redknapp drew the shortest of straws this weekend, facing a Manchester United side galvanised by £160 million worth of signings away from home.
With Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and more all working closely with the club over the international break, the overbearing question heading into the fixture was just how many Man Utd would score.
Redknapp will have been looking to avoid a beating, but Queens Park Rangers didn't stand a chance. The gulf in quality was outlined when United brought on Radamel Falcao, whereas the visitors brought on Karl Henry.
Winner: Angel Di Maria, Who Was Man of the Match
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What a performance from Angel Di Maria!
His home debut was phenomenal, firing in a beautiful free-kick to open the scoring and roaring forward with regularity, causing chaos to Queens Park Rangers' midfield.
His mobility and drive is a fantastic watch, and he appears the missing ingredient in this Manchester United side.
