Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 15 points with a comfortable 2-0 win away at Queens Park Rangers, while the hosts suffered a further blow to their survival hopes.
Brazilian right-back Rafael’s first-half effort set Sir Alex Ferguson’s on course for a victory, which was wrapped up 10 minutes from time by veteran Ryan Giggs.
Only an unparalleled meltdown will now stop United winning a 20th league crown, while only the greatest of escapes will see QPR stave off relegation.
Proceedings got off to a slow start in west London, where it took 13 minutes for the first chance of note to be created.
After being caught on the edge of the box by Jose Bosingwa – making his first appearance since December 8 – Nani connected with the resulting free-kick, only to see his flicked header go wide.
Adel Taarabt fired a low shot just wide of David de Gea’s near post soon after but United were in control.
Julio Cesar had to be alert to tip a goalbound Javier Hernandez effort over the bar, with the Mexican meeting a Ashley Young cross with a superb improvised header.
United did not have to wait long for the opener, though, with Rafael thumping home in style after 23 minutes.
Taarabt lost possession in his own half and play developed down the right, allowing Van Persie to wriggle free and hit a cross. Cesar parried the acute drive but the ball fell kindly for Rafael, who hammered a 25-yard strike into the top corner.
And Rafael, playing superbly in Shepherds Bush, helped United counter, sending a fine ball over the top to Van Persie, who saw a brilliant left-footed volley denied in equally impressive fashion by Cesar.
It was the Netherlands international’s last contribution before he was replaced by Danny Welbeck, having appeared to pick up a hip complaint earlier in the half.
United continued strongly after the break but QPR were putting up more of a fight, with Taarabt seeing penalty appeals waved away.
The visitors were still threatening, though, and Hernandez saw an effort saved easily by Cesar before he was replaced by Wayne Rooney, who has been suffering with a sinus problem this week.
United suffered a brief scare when substitute Loic Remy called De Gea into action, but the result was put beyond doubt 10 minutes from time as Nani played a cute ball through to Giggs, whose strike from an acute angle beat Cesar.
Giggs saw a looped strike rattle the crossbar and a Samba header brushed the post late on, but there was to be no more goals despite the best efforts of both sides.
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