Manchester United had to come from behind to beat QPR at Old Trafford with new Rangers boss Harry Redknapp watching on from the stands.

In a week where Sir Alex Ferguson's 26-year reign in the United dugout was honoured with the unveiling of his statue outside of the ground, the visitors were going through another managerial change as Mark Hughes was sacked and replaced by Redknapp in the space of 48-hours.

The former Spurs chief was in attendance to watch his new side produce arguably their best performance of the season, but will be well aware of the challenge in front of him when assumes control on Monday morning.

For an hour the visitors looked assured against their title chasing hosts and Jamie Mackie thought he'd given them a shock lead just before half time, diving to head past Anders Lindegaard, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

But he wasn't to be denied after the break, pouncing to tap the ball home after Lindegaard had parried Kieron Dyer's cross into his path to silence Old Trafford.

That promoted a tactical shift from Ferguson and Wayne Rooney was pushed further forward to support Robin Van Persie as the home side looked to pierce a backline that had conceded 23 goals already this term.

It worked a treat as Rooney's 64th minute corner was headed back across goal by Danny Welbeck for Johnny Evans to stab the ball home from a yard out to restore parity.

Four minutes later and United had the lead as Darren Fletcher headed home from another Rooney corner to score on his first Premier League appearance since 19 November 2011 after returning from a bowel complaint.

The points were secured 18 minutes from time, Hernandez confidently finishing past Julio Cesar after being played through by Anderson to send United top at the expense of rivals City.