United go eights points clear with controversial 2-0 win

FT: Man Utd 2 QPR 0

Manchester United went eight points clear at the top of the Premier League thanks to a hugely controversial 2-0 win over 10-man QPR at Old Trafford.

The visitors never had a chance once referee Lee Mason had deemed Shaun Derry’s 13th-minute challenge on Ashley Young worthy of a red card and a penalty, which would have been a debatable call anyway even without the United man receiving the ball in a clear offside position.

Wayne Rooney rammed home the penalty but it took a Paul Scholes piledriver midway through the second half to seal a victory which keeps QPR above the relegation zone on goal difference.

It needed an old head to take control and Scholes duly obliged, drilling home from 25 yards after Taarabt had gifted possession to Rafael.

The full-back was booked for bringing down Akos Buzsaky, even though the foul was triggered by a slip, and before the free-kick could be taken, Rafael and Scholes were replaced by Phil Jones and Tom Cleverley.

QPR had already made their double change, with Shaun Wright-Phillips and Tommy Smith both introduced, the latter man having a shot deflected wide by Ferdinand.

A thunderous long-range strike from Carrick came crashing back off a post.

DJ Campbell returned after three months out with a hamstring injury, although it was small comfort for QPR.