London, Dec. 5 (BUS): Ralf Rangnick’s winning era began as Fred led Manchester United to a 1-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
After witnessing Thursday’s 3-2 victory over Arsenal from the stands, the 63-year-old caretaker was on the touchline at Old Trafford for the first time when Patrick Vieira’s men came to town, according to dpa.
Rangnick’s reign – and first match as coach in 925 days – began in triumphant fashion as Fred proved the unexpected winner of the match with a superb effort of late.
United’s third Premier League win in 10 matches also led to their first home clean sheet in the afternoon when a brilliant start faded, providing the Germans with plenty of ideas.
The hosts started with impressive strength and vitality under their new coach, with Cristiano Ronaldo receiving a raft of chances before their performance began to drift against the hard-working Palace.
Alex Telles saw a free-kick hit the crossbar and Jordan Ayew came painfully close to the other end as United began sliding down familiar paths, only for Fred to offer a moment of magic to grab three points.
Rangnick stood in the technical area for most of his first matches. The German kept the team that beat Arsenal but preferred the 4-2-2-2 method where the players pressed more regularly and effectively.
This adjustment, and the chance to impress Rangnick, saw the hosts start off strong, with Telles firing an early shot into line before Ronaldo’s cross-volley to parry Bruno Fernandes.
The 36-year-old then headed home from inside the penalty area and slashed Vicente Guaita’s palm as United continued their run up front.
Guaita stretched to block Fernandes’ low effort, before Palace escaped with some pinball in the penalty area and Jadon Sancho’s bid deflected.
An encouraging first half was followed by a grueling second half by United.
Cheikho Kouyate saw a header topped by a free kick from Conor Gallagher, who helped keep Marcus Rashford off the striker.
Mason Greenwood replaced Sancho in an attempt to breathe new life into a performance that had become somewhat flat and sloppy.
Greenwood moved away and Rangnick turned to Anthony Ilanga to help with a performance that was a far cry from the start of the action, as Palace came painfully close to breaking the deadlock in the 75th minute.
James Tomkins sent a superb corner kick to the far post, as Ayew only managed to pass it across the face of the goal from an acute angle.
It was a respite, which was elegantly punished three minutes later as Greenwood rebounded for Fred, who fired an impressive 20 yards out of Guaita.
The goal was met with a mixture of relief and joy by Old Trafford followers, who soon sang the name of former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as well as the name of former interim chief Michael Carrick.
insult