Manchester United star Michael Carrick praises ‘fantastic’ Radek Cerny after win over determined QPR

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has praised QPR goalkeeper Radek Cerny after his side's 2-0 victory at Loftus Road.

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The Red Devils dominated the match from the first minute with the veteran stopper pulling off a number of saves to keep the scoreline down.

However, Carrick's second-half goal, his first in 70 games, sealed the victory to see Sir Alex Ferguson's side climb to the top of the Premier League.

“It was important we got the second goal, we had a lot of chances and their keeper made some fantastic saves in the first half,” Carrick told Sky Sports.

“We were aware we needed that second goal to give us a cushion and after that we still had chances but this is a big three points.

“It’s been a long time coming but it was an important goal because we won the game and it was a good win for us.”

Wayne Rooney scored United's opener in the first minute of the match after a fine ball from Antonio Valencia and the striker was pleased to see a clinical edge return to his side's play today.

“We took our chances and to be fair their keeper has made a lot of saves so we couldn't finish them off but we are happy with 2-0, that’s what we came here to do," Rooney said.

“It was a great ball by Antonio and as a forward you try to get yourself in the position and thankfully the ball came to me.”

Manchester United are currently in a race with their rivals, Manchester City, for the Premier League title, though Rooney insisted the Red Devils are only focussed on their own results.

He continued: “No, we weren’t looking at them; it was important we came here today and got the three points.

"It’s a busy schedule over Christmas and we are taking each game as it comes and if we do our jobs we have a good chance of progressing and maybe staying there for a long time”