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12/06/2021 at 9:00am
It did not have to be a glamorous affair, just an efficient one, as Manchester United Beat Crystal Palace 1-0 to kick off Ralf Rangnick’s tenure on the bench.
The German technician took his first official view of Old Trafford from the manager’s seat after immediately adding his touch to the team, opting for Ronaldo and Sancho upfront.
Diogo Dalot was in for Aaron Wan Bissaka as well, as United looked different in a 4-4-2 formation.
Much to the delight of the home crowd, it was the Red Devils enjoying the lion share of the possession, picking their moments to attack.
However, their efforts lacked any cutting edge, as they failed to make significant impression on the Palace defense, despite an Alex Telles effort on five minutes.
The Brazilian found himself open on the edge of the box but fired wide.
Just before half time, Cristiano Ronaldo would be denied by Guehi on the line, and then by Palace keeper Guaita from a free kick, before Dalot would curl his effort wide from the right-hand side.
The first half stalemate would play into the hands of Viera’s Palace, who came out with more energy and confidence.
Jordan Ayew would come close on 74 minutes, as a flick on by Tompkins following a corner will find the Ghanian in space at the far post but he pulled his volley wide.
It’ll be United with the final effort, as Greenwood found space in a crowded box to lay a pass back to Fred on the edge of the area.
The Brazilian would take the chance with aplomb, curling one into the far side of the net, 1-0 United.
The score would stay that way till the final whistle, with United moving into sixth place.
In the other games, Steven Gerrard continued his great start with Aston Villa, after a third win, this time beating Leicester 2-1.
