Substitutes Marouane Fellaini and James Wilson ended Manchester United's three-game winless run in the Premier League on Saturday, with second-half goals clinching a 2-0 victory against a struggling but spirited Queens Park Rangers.

Fellaini found the breakthrough during an improved second-half performance by United, meeting Antonio Valencia's pass and powering the ball into the net in the 58th minute. And the 19-year-old Wilson struck in stoppage time after QPR goalkeeper Robert Green parried his initial attempt.

But it was a frustrating return to the team for striker Radamel Falcao, who was thwarted several times by Green.

While United provisionally returned to third place — ahead of Southampton's late game at Newcastle — QPR remains in the relegation zone after a fifth straight league match without a win.

Although it was QPR's first home loss since October, the west London team is relying on its home form to avoid the drop. All 19 points have been collected at Loftus Road with 10 successive away losses making even manager Harry Redknapp feel uncertain about his future.

United didn't manage a single shot on target in last Sunday's loss to Southampton. Such an anomaly was prevented after 10 minutes here when Michael Carrick struck at Green, who then kept out Falcao's close-range effort with a quick reaction save.

QPR, though, was unsettling United, with Charlie Austin seeing two volleys expertly tipped over by goalkeeper David de Gea.

Wayne Rooney' penalty appeal after being tripped by Joey Barton was dismissed, but United was creating little for Angel di Maria or Falcao up front.

The visiting United fans were chanting "4-4-2" and the restoration of four rather than three at the back, coinciding with Fellaini replacing Juan Mata in midfield at half-time, contributed to an upturn in fortunes.

Although Falcao's header was thwarted by Green's low diving save, United did finally score for only the second time in six hours in the league through Fellaini.

And as QPR battled for the equalizer, the hosts were caught on the break when Wilson scored for the first time this season, having only previously netted twice in a single game in May.

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