Ralf Rangnick enjoys victorious start to Old Trafford reign as Fred fires Manchester United to 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace; United secure first home clean sheet of the campaign at 11th attempt.
Ralf Rangnick admitted he was “positively surprised” by the speed with which Manchester United adapted to his methods to secure Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Having watched Thursday’s 3-2 triumph against Arsenal from the stands, Rangnick was on the Old Trafford touchline for the first time when Patrick Vieira’s men came to town.
And Rangnick’s reign began in victorious fashion thanks to an unlikely match-winner, Fred, whose stunning right-footed effort, together with a first home clean sheet of the season, saw the German seal three points on his debut.
“The first half hour was amazing. I felt it was extremely high tempo, high intensity, always on the front. The only thing that was missing in this first half hour was scoring one or two, if not three, goals.
“But it was clear that you cannot play the whole game, 90 minutes, on this kind of intensity level. But, still, even after that we had control of the game. Second half, we started the game well and, in the end, we deserved to win.
“I am more than happy with the clean sheet. Beautiful goal with this weak right foot from Fred. It was about gaining control and we had control most of the time of the game.”
Rangnick had precious little time to work with the players given the swift turnaround, but United played on the front foot from the outset with impressive intensity and energy.
The coming days provide the chance to build momentum and underline his philosophy to the players, who have taken onboard instructions in a way that has impressed the interim manager.
“To be honest, I was positively surprised by the physical state, intensity and performance of the players,” the United boss added.
“Not only did we play in the late kick-off on Thursday, but we also had two days fewer than Crystal Palace to recover. I didn’t expect us to play at that level after only one-and-a-half training days together with them.
“It’s always easier to build on things when you’re successful. I want the players to believe in this kind of football. We continue in this direction, produce further clean sheets, and get better at creating chances ourselves. There is still space for improvement but today was more important for me to see how they played against the ball.”
On match-winner Fred, Rangnick admitted he did a double take after the Brazilian found the net with his unfavoured right foot.
“I had to ask my assistant coach if that was Fred’s right foot, I could not believe it,” Rangnick said. “I thought he could only shoot with his left.
“Fred is a fantastic player. What he did with (Scott) McTominay against the ball today, this is what we need. I’m happy for him.”
Match Highlights:
