Manchester United Football News & Transfer Rumors: Radamel Falcao, Angel Di Maria Look Strong in 4-0 Win

By David Salazar First Posted: Sep 16, 2014 06:21 PM EDT

Manchester United finally earned its first win of the season by emphatically destroying the Queens Park Rangers 4-0 at the Old Trafford.

It was a victory that should surely relieve some pressure off of Louis van Gaal and should also create buzz and excitement for United fans.

The team had a rather solid end to the transfer window and many were hoping that the addition of major superstars would create victories and goals. United had only scored two goals in its first four competitive matches and there was fear that this side would continue the poor play exhibited in 2013-14 under David Moyes.

But this game proved that the newcomers were tremendous additions that should make this side better over the long haul.

United was up 3-0 at half time and added the fourth goal shortly after the break. There could have been more, but the scoreline was good enough to celebrate for a week.

The addition of Daley Blind in the midfield seemingly did wonders to help the team. He worked extremely well with Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria in not only retaining possession of the ball but also in picking apart QPR's defense. Blind had more touches than anyone else on the team (as did defender Jonny Evans) with 122 and completed a tremendous 96 percent of his passes. He had one shot on goal and made two tackles. He was tremendous moving forward and there were no notable mistakes in this respect. He could have done better tracking back to help the defense, but this could be forgiven in his debut.

Herrera completed 91 percent of his passes, won 100 percent of his aerial battles, had 106 touches, had eight tackles and added a goal and an assist in a man of the match performance. He was brilliant at every turn and looked extremely comfortable having Blind covering for him. The Dutchman's presence seemed to unleash Herrera's attacking instincts, something that was not present up to this moment.

Di Maria was arguably the best player on the pitch in his second performance for United. He looks like a man on a mission and he could very well wind up lifting the Ballon D'Or early next year with these kinds of inspired performances. Or more importantly, he could convince Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the Old Trafford. His penetrating runs unbalanced QPR's defense and his awareness all over the pitch seemed to give others freedom. He scored his first United goal off a brilliant free kick before being the influential piece in two more goals. He also assisted Juan Mata's goal with a brilliant aerial pass.

The final new addition who had a chance to make an impact was Colombian star Radamel Falcao.

The new striker was brought on for Mata with the score at 4-0. He made some slick passes and even had a chance to score his first goal (it was a nice stop from Robert Green on the rebound). It was a solid debut in limited minutes for the Colombian.

The team played well overall, though QPR is hardly the appropriate measuring stick. Still, it was a performance that should certainly lift the team's spirit moving forward. If there is one area of concern, it is the play of Robin van Persie.

The Dutchman has yet to score his first goal of the season. Despite completing 91 percent of his passes and shifting deep into the midfield to collect possession, he received a yellow card and lacked the killer instinct that has made him such a prolific scorer. His position could be in danger, especially if Falcao adapts quickly.

It is clear that Rooney, who scored again and played a tremendous game, is not headed to the bench anytime soon. That is where Van Persie could wind up if he fails to shape up and score some goals. In a 4-0 game, he should be on the board. The fact that he is not speaks volumes about his confidence at the moment.