December 05, (THEWILL) – Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in the Premier League, kicking off the Ralf Rangnick era at Old Trafford with a second-half stunner from the boots of Fred.
From outside of the penalty area, the Brazilian midfielder linked up with Mason Greenwood before curling a stunning attempt past Vicente Guaita and into the top corner.
United’s overall increased effort was immediately apparent, with the hosts employing a 4-2-2-2 formation and pressing at breakneck speed typical of their new German tactician.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a half-chance to score in the first chance for the Red Devils before Marc Guehi recovered to clear the danger. Alex Telles shot over from the second phase of a corner. Then, at the edge of the area, Jadon Sancho laid on Fred, but James Tomkins bravely denied the midfielder’s goal-bound shot.
United continued to press forward, with Ronaldo missing another chance inside the penalty area just after the half-hour mark, but Patrick Vieira’s side began to gain a foothold in the game – and had previously been dangerous on the counter-attack through Wilfried Zaha – with the caveat that they could not muster any clear-cut chances.
At the start of the second half, United’s movement and intensity was a little sluggish, though they came close when Fernandes’ clipped cross eluded Ronaldo by inches as Guaita collected under pressure.
Telles was unlucky not to put the hosts ahead shortly after the hour mark as his free-kick from a tight angle grazed the top of the Palace crossbar, but the visitors then had possibly the finest chance of the game.
From a corner, Tomkins rose highest, and when his header back across goal dropped to Jordan Ayew, he only had the goal to aim for. Yet, he sliced his effort wide of the far post, which was unfortunate for Palace.
Vieira’s side was subsequently punished by United just minutes later.
Working the ball well into the penalty box, Greenwood laid the ball back to Fred on the edge of the area, and the Brazilian curled a magnificent strike into the top corner with his weak foot to give Rangnick a debut victory.
United has now gone four games without losing in all competitions, and they have moved up to sixth place in the rankings in the English top flight. In the UEFA Champions League, they will face Young Boys next.
On the other hand, Vieira’s Palace have now dropped to 12th place in the Premier League after losing their previous three games. Next Saturday, they go to Everton, who are currently in relegation trouble and play Arsenal tomorrow.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
