With debuts finally given to new signings Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao, Manchester United got back to winning ways against a truly outclassed Queens Park Rangers.
Angel Di Maria had a superb home debut and opened the scoring after 24 minutes. Di Maria had a hand in Ander Herrera’s goal which was then followed by one from United’s captain Wayne Rooney.
Already 3-0 up at half time, Harry Redknapp’s men looked overwhelmed. Falcao was still on the bench when the match restarted but as expected in the 66th minute he emerged to rapturous applause and looked poised to deepen QPR’s misery.
Juan Mata scored to end the match 4-0 so United take all three points and are slowly making their climb up the table.
Here are five things we learnt earlier this week.
Welbeck was not good enough for LVG’s United
Manager Louis van Gaal shocked many when he allowed the sale of Danny Welbeck to Arsenal.
It was not only about the low transfer fee but about why the manager didn’t see a future at the club for a player that looked set early on to be a big star.
Never one to shy away from voicing his opinions, Van Gaal has explained that Welbeck was sold because: ‘He doesn’t have the record of Van Persie or Rooney and that’s the standard.’
The England international scored 20 goals from 90 games while Van Persie who joined United back in 2012 has scored 38 goals from 59 games and his debut season performances were a massive reason why the Red Devils won the league that year.
United spent £5.2 million sacking Moyes
With only one season spent as United’s Chosen One, where the United failed for the first time since 1990 to secure European football it has been revealed that David Moyes and his coaching staff were still paid £5.2 million to end their contracts.
Moyes’ original contract, which saw him take over the helm from hugely successful Sir Alex Ferguson, was supposed to be for an ambitious six years. Since his sacking Moyes has remained out of employment but has recently been linked with a possible opening at Newcastle.
Youth players are still important at United
After six world class players were signed this summer, all of whom have walked straight into the first team, some have questioned if Manchester United are prioritising results over young talent.
When asked if United are abandoning their long held tradition of developing youth players after this summer saw the loss of Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverly and Tom Lawrence, manager Louis van Gaal stated: ‘I am always willing to give young players chances but they have to take them. I cannot do that for them.’
Whilst results are the primary concern of all clubs, United do still give playing time to the younger members of the squad such as Adnan Januzaj, James Wilson and Tyler Blackett – the latter of whom has in fact featured in all four of United’s opening league games.
Woodward is happy with club’s revenues
United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is said to be pleased with the club’s current finances as a record annual revenue of £433 million was revealed.
This comes as a bit of a surprise considering the disappointing last 12 months which saw the club finish seventh and manager David Moyes quickly sacked.
On the other hand, with only a few comings and goings last season United’s wage bill actually rose to £214.8 million an increase of 19 per cent.
It is the first time that United’s wage bill has surpassed the £200 million mark and puts them second only to near rivals Manchester City.
Neville expresses discontent with the transfer policy at Old Trafford
Ex-United midfielder Gary Neville has very publicly denounced the club’s handling of the summer transfer window.
Neville is particularly unhappy with the sale of England international Danny Welbeck to their top four rivals Arsenal for what is seen as too low of a fee.
The 23 year old United academy graduate was sold to the Gunners for a relatively cheap £16 million in what could be seen as a panic buy by Arsene Wenger.
Another sore point for Neville was how much the club have spent on individual players, with the former right back stating: ‘They have overpaid, there is no doubt about that. Now Louis van Gaal has to mould them into the team’.
Despite his grievances Neville does still expect United to finish in the top four.
United supporters. Were you impressed with United’s performance against QPR? Do you think they can win the title this season? Let us know your thoughts below or tweet us @LaFootyettes.