QPR vs. Manchester United: Issues, Decisions That Will Shape Premier League Game

It is vital that Louis van Gaal arrests Manchester United’s recent mini-slump in form—and gets an overdue away win in the league—against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

With the defeat to Southampton on Sunday, United fell to fourth place. In order to ensure United do get back on track, what are the key issues and decisions facing the Dutchman?

Many are the same as the decisions he has faced ahead of recent games, and the performances over the past couple of weeks would suggest he has got some of them wrong. It will be important his gambles pay off this time, as defeat to QPR would add unwanted pressure to the whole squad.

Falcao

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Radamel Falcao has been an issue for Van Gaal for some time, but after he was left out of the matchday squad against Southampton, it can officially be considered to have reached "hot-button" status.

After the game, Jorge Mendes said to Sky Italia (h/t BBC Sport) "He will play in one of the very best clubs in the world next season, whether that is Manchester United or not." 

Falcao’s future at Old Trafford must therefore be in doubt. His goalscoring record at United looks pretty paltry at first glance (three strikes in 13 appearances). On the other hand, he has provided either a goal or an assist in six of his eight starts.

It is clearly not enough, though, and Van Gaal ran out of patience with his expensive loanee ahead of the Southampton game. Leaving him out again would send a message that would be hard to ignore.

Tactics

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United fans are sick of three at the back.

That is perhaps too sweeping a statement, but a glance through social media will quickly confirm that there’s a lot of truth in it.

It just does not seem to be working. Although United have won a few games playing that way, they have rarely looked good doing so.

There are further decisions facing Van Gaal if he does switch to a back four. Does he use the diamond midfield or 4-3-3? Given his lack of in-form wide forwards, a 4-4-2 diamond looks the best option, but even when that was at its best, United looked vulnerable defensively.

However, "We’re going to score one more than you" might be preferable to some of the mundane football on show of late.

Getting the Best out of Angel Di Maria

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Angel Di Maria was not in good form against Southampton. No shots on target, just one key pass, a paltry 61.9 percent pass completion and one accurate cross from seven attempts, per WhoScored.com, does not paint a picture of a player in form. 

He looked keen to re-establish himself as an important player and was quick to shoot, even if not from the best positions. Playing him deeper should help to bring out the best in him. He was used as a second striker against Southampton, but he should be given more responsibility to start moves off against QPR.

After all, in the game between the two sides at Old Trafford in September, it was Di Maria’s driving runs from deep that led to two of United’s goals.

Stopping Charlie Austin

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Charlie Austin’s hot streak has cooled off slightly, but stopping him will still be key for United’s defenders. Since the sides last met, QPR have scored 21 goals in all competitions, of which 12 were scored and two assisted by Austin, meaning he was directly involved in 66.7 per cent of their goals.

Eight of the goals and both of the assists have come at Loftus Road. 

United’s defenders have come in for a lot of criticism this season, and finding a way to contain Austin will be crucial.

Ander Herrera

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Like Falcao, Ander Herrera does not appear to be in Van Gaal's good graces. He has only completed 90 minutes for United three times, and one of those occasions was against Yeovil Town in the FA Cup. 

His presence has seemed to add fluency to United's midfield, which has been much missed in his absence. But for whatever reason, his inclusion has not been a priority for Van Gaal. Finding a way to fit him into the midfield should perhaps be on Van Gaal's agenda, but as it stands, his place in the starting XI would come as some surprise.

But it would be pleasant for those of us who are fans of the player.