Goals from Angel di Maria, Ander Herrera and Wayne Rooney hand Manchester United a 3-0 half-time lead over Queens Park Rangers in their Premier League clash.

Manchester United lead 3-0 at the interval of their Premier League clash with Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford.

United had a half-chance inside four minutes when Juan Mata fed a cross into Wayne Rooney, but Rio Ferdinand was across to clear the danger in what was a quick start from the home team.

Mata came close with an effort of his own after eight minutes, but the Spaniard fired a Ander Herrera cross over the crossbar from just outside the box.

Marcos Rojo delivered another dangerous cross into the QPR box after 17 minutes, but Robin van Persie took the ball away from Herrera at the vital moment and QPR were able to clear once more.

United were ahead after 24 minutes, however, when Angel di Maria floated a free kick into the back of the net, with the away side's defence only able to watch his effort drift into the top corner.

QPR's main threat came from high balls into Charlie Austin, but the striker had little support each time he won a flick-on. At the other end, Van Persie had another half-chance for United after 31 minutes, but his header was over the crossbar.

The away side's best chance came moments later when David de Gea failed to meet a through pass, but Jonny Evans blocked a Matty Phillips effort which was heading for the back of the net.

United had their second after 36 minutes when Herrera shot into the bottom corner following a blocked effort from Rooney, who got in on the act late in the half with an arrowed effort past Rob Green.

United boss Louis van Gaal has handed debuts to Rojo and Daley Blind, while Di Maria is making his home debut for the Premier League outfit. Colombian hitman Radamel Falcao is waiting in the wings on the bench.