It was a perfect way to kick start Ralf Rangnik’s managerial career in a grand manner as Manchester United won 1-0 over Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace. The Reds started the match full of positivity and high intensity and it was completely a United show in the first half.
Though the score was 0-0 at halftime United pressed quite hard, won the ball, and came close to the opening goal very often. Ralf Rangnick played in a 4-2-2-2 formation with Rashford and Ronaldo as the two strikers upfront.
There were a few half-hearted shots from Ronaldo but that didn’t bother Palace goalkeeper Guaita much. Fernandes came close to the lead after his shot from the edge of the penalty box area was being denied. Dalot who started again in place of regular starter Wan-Bissaka was very sharp. Tried his luck with a beautiful curler just before halftime but his shot was a bit wide.
United’s 1st sight of goal came after 5′ when Alex Telles’s fired his shot just to hit the tip of the crossbar. That was some chance for the Brazillian to give his team the well-deserved lead.
But it was Fred who finally broke the shackles as his inch-perfect mind-boggling right-footed curler found the right top corner of the net. This was Fred’s back-to-back goal involvement after an assist against Arsenal. And it’s looking that the Brazillian midfielder is turning his bit around. But in the end, it was the 3 points and a clean that United wanted badly.
Manchester United player ratings.
David de Gea : 7
He didn’t have anything much to do yesterday. Palace lacked that attacking flair as there was only a shot that was needed to be saved that too the easiest one according to footballing standards. Third clean is all that mattered to him.
Diogo Dalot : 8
Another excellent game for the 2nd choice Man United right-back. His best moment was the left-footed curler that could have given the opening goal at the cusp of halftime. If he continues to impress us then it will be tough for Wan Bissaka to start under Rangnick. Made an intelligent pass to Greenwood for the goal.
Victor Lindelof : 8
Barring the one bad pass in the second half. He was solid with his aerial duals and clearances. Creative play from the Swedish International with some superb forward passes.
Harry Maguire : 7
One of the best performances in recent times for the United captain. Looked with the long balls as well. He had no sloppy passes and did his defending well.
Alex Telles : 8
Both the full-backs have been very good for United. Another competent performance from him. His diagonal balls were top-notch.
Scott McTominay : 6
Not so good game for him. He had the energy in the game and may suit under Rangnick style of play. But he needs to be more creative and stop the miss passes and poor first touch.
Fred : 9
The match-winner for us. And that was some goal to win a match. Proper pass, good tackling, and a delicious through ball from him. It seems that he is lifting up his spirits now.
Jadon Sancho : 6
No such contributions from the young star yesterday. Especially after a good game against Arsenal the fans had some expectations. He had energy in the starting, made a few couples of good runs later was substituted in the second half.
Bruno Fernandes : 7.5
He had to deal with the backline as well. Rangnick went for 4-2-2-2 formation. So had to drop a bit deeper dealing with the passes from Fred and McTominay. Overall a controlled performance and it’s just a matter of time that our talisman will be on the scoresheet again.
Marcus Rashford : 7
He had an average game. He went alone for the goal on a few occasions and could have played better according to his standards. But his movements on the counterattack were quite dangerous for the Palace backline.
Cristiano Ronaldo : 6
The Portuguese sensation had a bad day at the office. He missed out on 2 or 3 good chances and was not able to create anything yesterday. Though he kept the Palace defense line busy through the 90′. He should have scored from the Telles cut back but it was straight to Guaita.
Substitutes.
Mason Greenwood : 7.5
He came in for Sancho in the 62′ and had an assist in his bag. Set a great ball for Fred for the winning goal.
