PL: Fred stunner vs Palace gives winning start to Man Utd Rangnick era

Brazilian
midfielder Fred scored a stunning second-half goal to get the Ralf Rangnick era
at Manchester United underway with a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
There were plenty of positives for United, including a more energetic
performance as the German’s gegenpressing system takes shape and a first home
clean sheet in 16 games in all competitions.

But with
Patrick Viera’s Palace dogged in defence for much of the game, it seemed as
though the Red Devils will have to settle for a draw. On the 77th minute-mark, Fred –
who was one of the primary scapegoats under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – curled in a
brilliant effort over the keeper from outside the box to find the top-right
corner.

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It was only
the enigmatic Brazilian’s second goal of the season, and the first time since
September that United have recorded consecutive league wins. The win takes United
up to sixth in the Premier League table, above Arsenal – who play Everton on Monday – and a
point behind Tottenham Hotspur – who beat Norwich in their fixture.

United
created a number of opportunities until Fred’s strike, with Alex Telles
brushing the crossbar with a freekick although keeper Vicente Guaita seemed to
have his angles covered.

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Palace, who
were looking to win at Old Trafford for a third season in a row, had a chance
to steal the lead when Jordan Ayew diverted James Tomkins’ header across goal
and narrowly wide of the far post.

The win
means Rangnick is third United manager since Alex Ferguson left to win their
first match in charge, with only Louis Van Gaal failing to emulate that feat. The
German is yet to have a full training session with United but his imprint was
already visible with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo also forcing Palace into
early mistakes.

This was
also the first time that the Eagles have lost three games in a row under Viera
and are currently six points off the relegation zone.