Anderson puts best foot forward

Manchester United 3 QPR 1

A second-half substitute, Anderson provided a much-needed injection of pace, passing and urgency into a moribund United line-up that was, somehow, trailing bottom-placed QPR.

For the ninth time in their 13 league games to date, United trailed and the only question was whether this would be another occasion on which they rescued points from a losing situation or fell to a third successive 1-0 defeat.

Anderson, almost single-handedly it should be said, changed the momentum and pattern of the game to the extent that a rampant United scored three times in seven minutes, coasting to victory and taking their tally of points rescued from losing situations this season to a staggering 18.

United voices were unanimous in their assessment that gifting teams leads in such a manner cannot continue but it was the analysis of goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard that offered a more interesting perspective.

“The substitutes definitely made an impact, Anderson came in and turned the game around,” he said.

“He is one of the best players in the world at running with the ball, passing it and keeping that dynamic motion. He showed that by turning the game around, a brilliant player.

“I asked one of my team-mates in the locker room what would have happened if we hadn’t conceded a goal. It was like a wake-up call for us but it’s still a flat feeling conceding a goal in this match. We won it and won it comfortably after going 3-1 up.

“I don’t think we should have conceded a goal in this match, it’s very disappointing. We should be happy for the three points and the win even though we should have won by more.”

Jamie Mackie shot Rangers, watched by manager in waiting Harry Redknapp from the Old Trafford stands, into a surprise lead before Anderson’s game-changing introduction.

Two corners from Wayne Rooney laid on headed goals for Jonny Evans and Darren Fletcher before a superb Anderson run and pass set up Javier Hernandez for a third goal and a victory that lifted United back to the top of the Premier League.

In the longer term, given the glaring weaknesses in the United midfield — the fact Fletcher and Scholes are still pivotal parts of the engine room despite the former almost losing his career to bowel disease and the latter being forced out of retirement last year — the chance that Anderson may be about to shrug off poor form, injury and general apparent indifference to become a major force for United could be hugely significant.

For Rangers, whose team was prepared by Mark Hughes’ assistant Mark Bowen, a predictable defeat left them rooted to the foot of the table and without an away victory in 19 attempts.

Goalscorer Mackie spoke of the players’ responsibility and role in Hughes being dismissed on Friday although his delight in Redknapp’s appointment suggested his predecessor will not be too sorely missed.

“The season starts now,” said Mackie. “We haven’t got a win on the board yet so that’s the mentality we have to have. For some lads its a clean slate and we have to put the recent past behind us and look at it like we are new signings.

“Everyone needs to buy in to this philosophy to get us out of trouble. The manager will have his own views and everybody has to buy in to that. Personal pride should get you through any game as a footballer, no matter what happens. Its a privilege to be paid to do this. Harry is a brilliant appointment. I’m a Tottenham fan so I’m excited. Let’s hope he can do he what he did at Tottenham.”

Redknapp will be introduced officially as Rangers manager today and one of his first tasks will be to sever ties with Bowen, and Hughes’ other coaching lieutenants. Bowen hinted broadly that he expects his services to be dispensed with and put into perspective the size of the task facing the new manager.

“It’s a big job because of where they are in the league and the points you’ve got to make up,” he said.

“The way I look at it, if a team’s at the bottom of the league if you average a point a-game you stay up so at the moment QPR are nowhere near a point a-game so even if they improve they’ve still got to catch up.

“But as I keep saying, its still going to be difficult but I firmly believe and the players firmly believe and that’s the main thing.”

Manchester United (4-4-2): Lindegaard 5; Rafael 7, R Ferdinand 6, Evans 7, Evra 6; Young 5 (Hernandez 58, 7), Fletcher 8, Scholes 6 (Anderson 58, 9), Welbeck 6 (Powell 78, 6); Rooney 7, van Persie 7.

QPR (4-4-2): Cesar 7; Mbia 6, Nelsen 5, Hill 5, Traore 5 (A Ferdinand 60, 5); Dyer 7, Derry 5, Faurlin 6 (Granero 84), Taarabt 6 (Hoilett 72, 6); Mackie 8, Cisse 5.

Referee: L Probert 7.