Manchester United picked up their first three points of the Premier League season with a thumping 4-0 win over Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford.

Louis van Gaal and Ryan Giggs discuss tactics during Man United's Premier League opener with Swansea on August 16, 2014 © Getty Images

United had a half-chance inside four minutes when Juan Mata fed a cross into Wayne Rooney, but former Red Devils defender 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 pullback over the crossbar from just outside the box.

United were ahead after 24 minutes, however, when Angel di Maria floated a curling free kick across a crowded penalty area and inside the far post for his first goal since becoming the British-record transfer.

Angel Di Maria of Manchester United is congratulated by team-mate Juan Mata after scoring the first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford on September 14, 2014 © Getty Images

Robin van Persie had another half-chance for United after 31 minutes, but his header went over the crossbar during a dominant period for the home side.

QPR's best chance came moments later when David de Gea failed to meet a though pass, but his centre-back Jonny Evans blocked a Matty Phillips which was heading for the back of the vacant net.

United had their second after 36 minutes when Herrera also opened his club account, striking 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.

Manchester United's Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera celebrates scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England on September 14, © Getty Images

QPR came close to cutting the deficit to 3-1 minutes into the second period when Armand Traore set up Nico Kranjcar just outside the United box, but De Gea was on hand to make a fine save with his feet.

Mata had a golden chance for United after 53 minutes following a low cross from Rafael, but the Spaniard could only poke straight at Green.

He was not to be denied, however, and scored five minutes later after collecting a scuffed shot from Di Maria and lifting his effort past Green.

Rooney had another sight of goal 30 minutes from time, but curled one high of the crossbar from outside of the box, before Van Persie hit one straight at Green following a precise pass from Di Maria.

Radamel Falcao came on for his home debut after 67 minutes, replacing Mata and the Colombian created a chance for Van Persie five minutes after his introduction, but the Dutchman's effort was deflected over the crossbar.

Eduardo Vargas had one final chance to grab QPR a consolation 15 minutes from time, but his low effort was just moved wide of the post.

Falcao had the perfect chance to find the back of the net after 84 minutes when Green parried a strike from Daley Blind, but the QPR stopper was quickly back on his feet to make the save.

Adnan Januzaj had another opportunity to make it five late on, but Green was again on hand to make a smart save as QPR kept the score to four in United's first victory of the Louis van Gaal era.