Our 3️⃣ points as Fred gets Rangnick era off to perfect start | OneFootball

Manchester United earned their first win under Ralf Rangnick after beating Crystal Palace 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Here are three points we took from the game …

📚 Signs of something

One match will never the be litmus test for any new manager, but Ralf Ragnick has clearly stamped some of his ideas on this Manchester United side.

The first half was something totally new for anybody watching – not just United fans – because there was a structured, intense press being utilised and Palace couldn’t deal with it.

Strangely enough, their finishing lacked cutting edge with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes both missing good opportunities, yet this was encouraging either way.

Their fixture schedule presents some opportunities to build a consistent run and that’s where true progress will be measured.

💜 Purple patch

It’s fair to say that debate has centred around Fred since he joined United from Shakhtar in 2019.

This was no simple fee, he arrived for £54million and struggled for consistency, with his smaller frame not best suited to the intensity and physicality of English football.

But after his impressive midweek performance against Arsenal, Fred stepped up to score the winner against Crystal Palace, playing himself into form ahead of Christmas.

That’s all you can ask for.

📈 On the right track

They will ultimately leave Old Trafford with nothing, but Crystal Palace continue to prove their progress under new manager Patrick Vieira.

It was tough going at times during the first half, with United riding that new manager wave alongside some intense pressing and long range efforts.

But the Eagles settled nicely and threatened their opponents during the second half and could have ruined the party if Andre Ayew was slightly more accurate from close range.

Positive signs for Palace who have battled the ‘big teams’ well so far this term.