For the first time at this early stage of a season since 1962-63, Manchester United only have two trophies to play for. If they don't beat QPR it'll be the first time they've failed to win any of their opening four matches since 1986 - the campaign that led to the November appointment of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Louis van Gaal wants time to rebuild the whole side. He'll be judged on his signings and on whether he can get the team playing classic United attacking football.
This game should be lift-off. Radamel Falcao, set for his United debut, has scored 104 goals in 139 European league games over the last five years. Daley Blind, Angel Di Maria and Marcus Rojo could all make their Old Trafford bow, while Luke Shaw is nearing full fitness.
Van Gaal's new £145m United are taking shape but now they need to start winning.
QPR, so often the sacrificial lambs at the Theatre of Dreams, have lost on their last five league trips. They've never won a Premier League meeting, losing 10 of the previous 12, and they haven't kept a clean sheet against them since September 1992.
Their defence is hugely experienced compared to the hosts; Rio Ferdinand made 455 United appearances and won 10 trophies there, while Richard Dunne could be starting his 400th Premier League match. Yet, given the way Tottenham butchered them three weeks ago, it's almost impossible to see QPR holding out for even a point.
They're creating chances, but one goal from 33 efforts is simply not good enough. Their season won't depend on getting results from games like this, but they will need away points at some stage.
The R's only ever victory at United - a 4-1 on New Year's Day in 1992 - was a major shock. Dennis Bailey scoring a memorable hat-trick a day after Sir Alex Ferguson's 50th birthday.
QPR fans still celebrate that win. Yet, there'll be no parties for them this weekend with fears of a huge fine looming and other sanctions from the Football League if they're found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play rules. The pressure on Harry Redknapp could therefore soon reach breaking point if they find themselves in a relegation dogfight. Please drop your comments below...
Louis van Gaal wants time to rebuild the whole side. He'll be judged on his signings and on whether he can get the team playing classic United attacking football.
This game should be lift-off. Radamel Falcao, set for his United debut, has scored 104 goals in 139 European league games over the last five years. Daley Blind, Angel Di Maria and Marcus Rojo could all make their Old Trafford bow, while Luke Shaw is nearing full fitness.
Van Gaal's new £145m United are taking shape but now they need to start winning.
QPR, so often the sacrificial lambs at the Theatre of Dreams, have lost on their last five league trips. They've never won a Premier League meeting, losing 10 of the previous 12, and they haven't kept a clean sheet against them since September 1992.
Their defence is hugely experienced compared to the hosts; Rio Ferdinand made 455 United appearances and won 10 trophies there, while Richard Dunne could be starting his 400th Premier League match. Yet, given the way Tottenham butchered them three weeks ago, it's almost impossible to see QPR holding out for even a point.
They're creating chances, but one goal from 33 efforts is simply not good enough. Their season won't depend on getting results from games like this, but they will need away points at some stage.
The R's only ever victory at United - a 4-1 on New Year's Day in 1992 - was a major shock. Dennis Bailey scoring a memorable hat-trick a day after Sir Alex Ferguson's 50th birthday.
QPR fans still celebrate that win. Yet, there'll be no parties for them this weekend with fears of a huge fine looming and other sanctions from the Football League if they're found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play rules. The pressure on Harry Redknapp could therefore soon reach breaking point if they find themselves in a relegation dogfight. Please drop your comments below...
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