QPR 1 (Helguson 1), UNITED 2 (Gradel 38, McCormack 68)

QPR: Cerny, Orr, Hill (Ramage 66), Connolly, Gorkss, Routledge,  Derry, Buzsaky (Taarabt 55), Faurlin, Smith, Helguson (Shittu 72). Subs: Putnins, Agyemang, Vaagen Moen, Ephraim.

Leeds: Schmeichel, Connolly, O'Brien, Naylor (KIsnorbo 79), Lichaj, Gradel (Watt 86), Howson, Kilkenny, Johnson, Paynter (Somma 65), McCormack. Subs: Higgs, Bruce, Livermore, Bromby.

Referee: M Clattenburg

Booked: Taarabt (QPR)

Att: 18,234 (1,792 Leeds)

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It was a strange atmosphere which prevailed ahead United's final league game of the season with QPR being confirmed as champions less than an hour before kick-off, after an FA hearing into the signing of midfielder Alejandro Faurlin.

That announcement prompted wild celebrations among the arriving home fans, and also ensured United's equation for Play-Off qualification was now simple in that Simon Grayson's side had to win, Crystal Palace had to beat Notts Forest and there had to be a six-goal swing in United's favour.

The United boss was without George McCartney and Robert Snodgrass (injured) and he welcomed Paul Connolly back to the side for a game that was to take place in amid a party atmosphere.

And those celebrations were even wilder after less than 30 seconds when Kasper Schmeichel could only parry a shot after QPR advanced from midfield and Heidar Helguson tapped the ball home from close range.

Schmeichel was tested again by Faurlin while Helguson headed straight at the Dane as QPR pegged Leeds back.

The early goal had ended any United hopes of sneaking into the Play-Offs and as the game headed towards the half-hour, QPR were looking fairly comfortable and content.

Yet, United could feel aggrieved when Billy Paynter appeared to be brought down on the edge of the box and referee Mark Clattenburg waved play on. Paynter was through on goal and Matt Connolly could consider himself fortunate not to be handed a red card.

While the home team were about to join the Premier League, the support from the 1,800 travelling fans far exceeded that of any top-flight club and it was the Leeds fans who generated much of the atmosphere after QPR's initial celebrations.

On the pitch, Schmiechel parried a shot from Wayne Routledge, but lightning didn't strike twice and Helguson was unable to convert his second rebound of the game. Tommy Smith also headed over the bar, following a corner kick.

Leeds were level on 38 minutes, though. Richard Naylor launched a long ball upfield and Max Gradel nipped in to beat QPR goalkeeper Radek Cerny before delivering a superb chipped finish to make it 1-1.

Leeds had been slowly gaining a foothold in the game as the game headed towards the interval and the final 45 minutes of the league season. And right on the stroke of half-time, United first had a free-kick blocked, then Ross McCormack headed into the side-netting from the tightest of angles.

United started the second half on the front foot as well, but it was the home side who had the first shot when Akos Buzsaky fired straight at Schmeichel.

The goalkeeper was involved again when he pulled off a fine one-handed save after Leeds failed to clear a ball into the box.

But with 22 minutes remaining, it was United who were in front. McCormack did well to stay on his feet as he advanced into the area and his stabbed shot took a huge deflection which saw the ball loop past a hapless to Cerny in the QPR goal.

Substitute Davide Somma looked to add to that advantage with a couple of shots which went wide, and Richard Naylor had justifiable claims for a penalty when he was forced to the ground inside the box when Leeds threatened again.

United were playing some decent stuff and were certainly looking to go forward rather than preserve the scoreline. Gradel was lively, Somma was showing a good touch, and the midfield were on top.

And with 12 minutes left, Grayson introduced Paddy Kisnorbo for his first taste of the action since March 2010. In coming on, Kisnorbo replaced skipper Naylor who lingered to say his thanks to the travelling support.

Grayson also handed Sanchez Watt the final few moments - he is due to return to Arsenal in the summer after a season-long loan - in place of Gradel as Leeds looked to sign off with an impressive away win.

That said, Schmeichel was called into action to make an important block three minutes from time before Kaspars Gorkss headed the resultant corner wide of the mark.

Watt almost sealed the game in the 90th minute when his deflected shot had Cerny stranded, but went wide of the mark. 

And that proved to be the last action of any note as Leeds ended the season with a fine away victory against the champions.