If Louis van Gaal had sat down with that clipboard of his and sketched out the perfect scenario for his new-look Manchester United, he could not have planned it any better than Sunday’s win over QPR. A spectacular Old Trafford introduction for record £60million signing Angel di Maria, Ander Herrera’s first goal in a United shirt and hugely impressive debuts from Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo meant that Van Gaal had the luxury of sending on Radamel Falcao with his team 4-0 up and in cruise control. The surge of optimism around Old Trafford was palpable. After the slide into mediocrity under David Moyes and a worryingly slow start to Van Gaal’s reign, here was evidence of a complete transformation.
@highlight
Louis van Gaal's new-look Manchester United side thrashed QPR 4-0
@highlight
New signings Angel di Maria, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo were all impressive and Radamel Falcao appeared off the bench for United
@highlight
Juan Mata starred once again and looked brilliant in No 10 role for United
@highlight
Mata has netted eight goals in his last 10 Premier League appearances
@highlight
Robin van Persie's place under threat from Mata, Falcao and Rooney
@highlight
Dutchman has struggled with form and injuries for United this season
@highlight
Persistent niggling knee injuries have affected Van Persie
@placeholder is understandably delighted after scoring his first Manchester United goal to put them 1-0 up