Goals from Rafael da Silva and Ryan Giggs helped Manchester United record a 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road this afternoon.

Visiting United dominated the early proceedings, but both Nani and Javier Hernandez failed to convert headed chances.

However, with 23 minutes on the clock, Sir Alex Ferguson's side did manage to break the deadlock. Robin van Persie's initial shot was parried clear by QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar, but Rafael da Silva fired in the rebound from 25 yards out.

In a rare venture forward the home side went close when Christopher Samba rose highest to meet a corner in the 34rd minute, but goalscorer Rafael cleared the ball off the line.

As the half drew to a close, Van Persie was forced off with a back injury, while visiting skipper Nemanja Vidic failed to find the target with a header from close range.

© PA Photos

United continued where they left off at the start of the second half, but the introduction of Loic Remy in place of Bobby Zamora saw QPR make more of an impact on the encounter.

The French striker almost made an immediate impression just after the hour mark, but David de Gea got down to deny the January signing, whose drilled shot had gone through a number of bodies inside the area.

Despite their resurgence, the match was eventually put beyond QPR's reach 10 minutes from time. Nani was the creator, picking out the veteran Welshman, who in turn slotted the ball beyond the reach of Cesar.

Giggs had another chance in the closing stages, but having beaten Cesar with a chipped effort, the ball cannoned to safety off the crossbar.

The victory means that United have opened up a 15-point lead at the top of the table.