MX23RW : Monday, January 13 14:19:10| >> :60:268:268:

Half-Time Report: Rafael da Silva screamer puts Manchester United in front

Half-Time Report: Rafael screamer puts Man United in front
© PA Photos
A 25-yard strike from Rafael da Silva gives Manchester United the advantage at half time against Queens Park Rangers.

Rafael da Silva's fifth goal for Manchester United has given his side a 1-0 lead heading into the break of their trip to Queens Park Rangers this afternoon.

It took the visiting league leaders a little while to get going, but when they did, a couple of chances arrived.

First Nani headed wide of the target with 10 minutes on the clock, then Javier Hernandez saw his looping effort tipped over the crossbar by a retreating Julio Cesar seven minutes later.

They eventually broke the deadlock with 23 minutes on the clock. Cesar parried clear a low shot from Robin van Persie, but Rafael was on hand to fire the rebound into the top corner of the net from 25 yards out.

Rafael then played a role at the other end of the pitch with 34 minutes played as he cleared a header from Christopher Samba off the line. From the resultant counter-attack, Van Persie was close to putting United 2-0 up, but Cesar managed to save his volleyed effort.

That was to be Van Persie's last major involvement as he was forced to limp off just before the break with a back injury that he suffered during the build-up to Rafael's goal.

As the half drew to a close United captain Nemanja Vidic had a headed chance from close range, but he failed to hit the target.

ID:70811: cacheID:70811:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2726:
Written by
Liam Apicella
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Robin Van Persie
Read Next:
Man United 3-2 Fulham
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!