Marouane Fellaini came off the bench to grab a vital opener for Manchester United as they battled to a 2-0 win against Queens Park Rangers this afternoon.

Fellow substitute James Wilson sealed the win with a finish in stoppage time, heaping the pressure on QPR manager Harry Redknapp in the process.

The result might have been different, however, had it not been for a couple of fine David de Gea saves to deny Charlie Austin in the first half.

Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United celebrates with team-mate Luis Antonio Valencia after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Queens Park Rangers and Manchester United at Loftus Road on January 17, 2015 © Getty Images

There was a quiet start to the match, with both sides struggling to create chances during the opening exchanges.

Bobby Zamora tried his luck from distance after spotting De Gea off his line, but the striker's effort went wide.

Richard Dunne then had to get across to make a clearance after Wayne Rooney looked to release Radamel Falcao with a through-ball from a deep position.

A couple of half-chances for both sides saw Michael Carrick strike one from outside the box straight into the arms of Rob Green before Leroy Fer aimed an effort high and wide for the hosts.

Moments later, Green was forced into another smart save when Falcao controlled inside the box before firing towards goal. It was a disappointing finish from the Colombian, who really should have scored.

QPR's first real chance fell to Austin after he was found by Eduardo Vargas, but De Gea was on hand to deny the Englishman with a good save.

The Spanish keeper then produced an even better one to deny Austin again and keep the scores level after the striker had fired towards the top corner.

United came out after the restart with renewed vigour, but it was QPR who had the first chance of the second half through Fer.

Manchester United's Argentinian midfielder Angel Di Maria and Queens Park Rangers' English defender Nedum Onuoha run after the ball during the English Premier League football match between Queens Park Rangers and Manchester United at Loftus Road Stadium i © Getty Images

The midfielder met a free kick from Joey Barton, but his header moved just wide of the post.

At the other end, Angel di Maria found Falcao with a cross, but the striker again wasted the chance as he headed straight at Green.

They did not dwell on the missed opportunity, however, and substitute Fellaini took down Antonio Valencia's pass before putting United ahead with a powerful strike.

Falcao spurned yet another good chance for United before Wilson hammered home moments before the final whistle to seal the points for Louis van Gaal's side.