Played
April 8, 2012 8:30 AM EDT
Old Trafford — Manchester
Referee: L. Mason
Attendance: 75505
April 8, 2012 8:30 AM EDT
Old Trafford — Manchester
Referee: L. Mason
Attendance: 75505
Comments 
Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-0 QPR
Goals from Rooney and Scholes see off 10-man Rangers after controversial penalty decision as Sir Alex Ferguson's side piles the pressure on Manchester City
By Greg Stobart at Old Trafford
David de Gea
63
2
The Spaniard had virtually nothing to do in the 90 minutes.
Patrice Evra
40
8
Assured defensively and constantly joined the attack, playing some astute passes in the final third.
Rio Ferdinand
45
3
Often spare and had very little to do as United cruised to victory.
Jonny Evans
46
4
Kept his concentration to cover on the rare occasions that QPR attacked, often through Taarabt cutting in from the left. Good use of the ball as United monopolised possession.
Rafael Da Silva
54
7
Excellent attacking outlet as he continually supported Valencia on the overlap and played almost as an extra midfielder. Committed tackling but sometimes rash and was eventually booked for repeated offences.
Michael Carrick
66
1
Sat in midfield and dictated United's passing. Has an excellent understanding with Scholes and nearly scored himself with a wonderful effort from 30 yards that smacked against the post.
Ashley Young
38
24
The winger was heavily involved in the turning point of the game in the 14th minute. Having initially been in an offside position, he took an embarrassing dive under a challenge from Derry that resulted in a penalty and red card. Provided good balance on the left side and his deliveries into the box were dangerous. Replaced by Giggs in the 61st minute.
Paul Scholes
Top of the Match114
1
A vintage display from the United legend, capped by a trademark goal drilled into the bottom corner from 25 yards. Drifted around Old Trafford with well-merited arrogance, demanding the ball and dominating the match. Played some jaw-dropping passes, especially when he looked right towards Valencia and Rafael. Given a deserved rest as he was replaced by Cleverley in the 74th minute.
Antonio Valencia
68
2
The in-form Ecuadorian hugged the touchline and looked to run at Taiwo. Had less space than usual as QPR sat deep, but his crossing was threatening and he was clever in the way he cut inside.
Wayne Rooney
53
5
One of his quieter game but still kept his cool from the spot to drill United into the lead in the 15th minute. Tested Kenny with a couple of curlers from around the edge of the box and linked up well with the midfield when he dropped deep.
Danny Welbeck
34
28
Constantly on the move, looking to stretch the QPR defence. Improved as the game went on but his finishing was rather scruffy despite getting into good positions.
• Substitutions
Phil Jones
29
2
Replaced Rafael in the 74th minute and slotted in comfortably at right-back.
Ryan Giggs
26
2
Game on for Young in the 61st minute. Played some neat passes as United kept possession and saw the game out.
Tom Cleverley
33
2
A tidy display after replacing Scholes 16 minutes from time.
Paddy Kenny
11
0
Could do nothing about Rooney's penalty but made some very sharp saves, most notably to keep out Rafael and Welbeck in the second-half. Decent handling throughout in slippery conditions and made himself big when needed.
Clint Hill
2
2
Looked off the pace in the first 20 minutes but then settled down and got a better handle on Welbeck's movement. Clumsy on the turn.
Taye Taiwo
2
3
Strong and powerful but had a tough afternoon against Valencia, who he gave too much space in the second-half.
Anton Ferdinand
3
2
Classy reading of the game and made some good blocks, although he tired late on.
Nedum Onuoha
2
1
Solid defensively up against Young and then Giggs. Could have been more ambitious on the ball but appeared to be under instructions not to cross the halfway line.
Samba Diakité
2
1
Tenacious display and won some strong challenges in the first-half.
Adel Taarabt
4
4
The mercurial Moroccan was probably the visitors' most dangerous attacking player, but that's not saying much. Kept his position better than might have been expected but conceded possession too easily, including in the lead-up to Scholes' goal.
A. Buzsaky
2
3
Rather bypassed throughout the game. Had little influence when in possession.
Shaun Derry
4
6
The QPR captain was unfortunate to get sent-off in the 14th minute after making minimal contact with Young as United were awarded a penalty.
Jamie Mackie
3
2
Kept going throughout the game and showed some drive with his head-down dribbles. Final ball was poor, however, due to a combination of poor execution and a lack of support.
Jay Bothroyd
Flop of the Match6
5
Extremely isolated as QPR's lone striker and had no real sights on goal. Lack of technique meant he wasn't able to hold the ball up and relieve pressure.
• Substitutions
Shaun Wright-Phillips
3
1
Came on in the 71st minute but had no influence with the result already beyond doubt.
DJ Campbell
3
0
Came on for Bothroyd nine minutes from time.
Tommy Smith
2
1
Replaced Taarabt in the 71st minute and was busy and energetic out wide.
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