( CNN ) -- While most eyes were focused on Harry Redknapp 's return to Premier League management with Queens Park Rangers on Saturday , it was two of Manchester United 's unsung heroes who grabbed the spotlight . With former Tottenham boss Redknapp watching from the stands after being confirmed as Mark Hughes ' replacement , it appeared the English top flight 's only winless team might pull off a major upset after taking the lead at Old Trafford . However , second-half substitute Anderson inspired yet another comeback by Alex Ferguson 's side as United returned to the top of the table with a 3-1 victory and bounced back from last weekend 's shock defeat by Norwich . `` Anderson changed the game , '' said manager Ferguson said of the Brazilian midfielder , who has started only five matches in all competitions this season . `` We played for about 10 or 15 minutes , that was the sum total of a real performance for Manchester United . `` Queens Park Rangers had a surge of determination and belief , they worked really hard and that 's what you expect when a team loses its manager . We saw that again today . '' Redknapp returns to EPL management . The match marked Darren Fletcher 's first Premier League start in more than a year following a chronic bowel complaint which threatened to end his career , and the Scotland midfielder capped it by heading United in front following Jonny Evans ' equalizer . `` Everyone is delighted for him . It has been a long road back , '' said Ferguson . `` It is the first time he has played twice in one week . He did n't let us down again . He never does . It is lovely to have him back like that . '' United went behind for the 13th time in 20 games this season , and the fifth in a row , as forward Jamie Mackie scored for QPR in the 52nd minute from Kieron Dyer 's low cross . Sculptor shows softer side of formidable Ferguson . However , center-back Evans leveled with his third goal this season after Danny Welbeck headed on a corner by Wayne Rooney , who provided another set-piece for Fletcher to score his first league goal since the 6-1 hammering by rivals Manchester City 13 months ago . Striker Javier Hernandez , another halftime replacement , wrapped up the victory with his ninth goal this season to put United two points clear of City -- who on Sunday travel to a Chelsea team under the guidance of new manager Rafael Benitez . Chelsea dropped to fourth place following West Brom 's 4-2 victory at Sunderland on Saturday , which gave Steve Clarke 's team a fourth successive win in the top division for the first time since 1980 . `` We have had a lot of plaudits and the players deserve it because so far , we have been a really good team , '' said Clarke , in his first managerial role after being assistant at Newcastle , Chelsea , Liverpool and West Ham . `` But you do n't get carried away in the Premier League . We are still this side of Christmas , there are a lot of games to be played , a lot of points to be fought for . Our focus is on Wednesday night , that 's as far ahead as we look . '' Everton stayed fifth despite being held 1-1 by Norwich , as Sebastien Bassong 90th-minute header canceled out Steven Naismith 's first-half goal for the Merseyside team . Norwich moved up to 13th in the 20-team division , extending the team 's unbeaten run to six matches . Arsenal announced a $ 240 million sponsorship extension with Emirates on Friday , but the London club remained sixth after being held 0-0 away to an Aston Villa team that moved out of the bottom three . Reading dropped into the relegation zone after losing 3-2 against Wigan , with Jordi Gomez netting all three goals for the 15th-placed home team . Stoke moved up to 11th with a 1-0 win over ninth-placed Fulham , as former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam scored the only goal .
Manchester United return to top of EPL with 3 -1 win against Queens Park Rangers . Bottom team take lead in front of new manager before United come from behind . Alex Ferguson scores in his 90th United start in second-half . United boss Darren Fletcher also credits substitute Anderson for inspiring victory .