NEW boss Harry Redknapp watched from the stands as QPR slipped to defeat at Old Trafford.

The former Spurs chief was confirmed as Mark Hughes's successor this morning and has a big job on his hands to save rock-bottom Rangers from the drop after no wins from their opening 13 games.

However, Redknapp would've taken heart from the visitor's battling display after Jamie Mackie's opening goal proved nothing more than a consolation.

Mackie – one of five changes to the starting line-up – gave the R's a shock lead at the beginning of the second half, only for United to plunder three goals in 10 minutes to send the Hoops home empty handed.

Rangers had restricted the hosts to a handfull of chances before the break.

Julio Cesar smothered the ball at Paul Scholes' feet, Robin Van Persie hit the side netting, while Cesar parried away a Wayne Rooney effort.

QPR thought they had broken the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, only for Mackie's header to be ruled out for offside.

However, the Rs did take the lead seven minutes after the interval. Anders Lindegaard could only parry Kieron Dyer's cross into Mackie's path, and he made no mistake from a couple of yards out.

But United levelled just after the hour mark, with Jonny Evans nodding the ball over the line from Rafael's knock-down.

The hosts were in front on 68 minutes when Darren Fletcher leapt highest to power home Wayne Rooney's corner.

Alex Ferguson's men fired a killer third moments later when super-sub Javier Hernandez latched onto Anderson's through-ball to fire past Cesar.

QPR rallied and were unfortunate not to pull one back through Clint Hill's header, only for Rafael to clear the ball off the line.

QPR: Cesar, Dyer, Nelsen, Hill, Traore (Ferdinand 61), Mbia, Faurlin (Granero 84), Derry, Mackie, Taarabt (Hoilett 74), Cisse.

Subs (not used): Green, Diakite, Wright-Phillips, Ephraim.

Follow us on F acebook and Twitter for the latest QPR news.

Follow me on Twitter.