New Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick started his reign on a winning note after edging past Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

Premier League

Result: Manchester United 1-0 Crystal Palace

Date: 05 December 2021

Venue: Old Trafford

Rangnick kept the same side that edged Arsenal in a five-goal thriller, as Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho flanked Bruno Fernandes in a front three, behind lone-striker Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Red Devils were in control in the opening exchanges but it them up until the 26th minute to create a clear chance, as Ronaldo cushioned a cross with a header on the path of Fernandes, whose half-volley produced a great save from goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

However, Patrick Viera's charges were denying United attacking rhythm, defending well as a team but they lacked the cutting edge on counter-attacks to threaten shot-stopper David de Gea.

With the game getting tight, Diogo Dalot came close to breaking the deadlock for the Red Devils on the stroke of half-time with a curling strike that missed the top corner by a whisker.

United were struggling to break down Palace in the early stages of the second stanza and Rangnick made an attacking change in the 62nd minute, as Mason Greenwood replaced Sancho.

However, Alex Telles came close to breaking the deadlock for the hosts six minutes later with a dipping free-kick that came off the crossbar.

The game was opening up after that, as Jordan Ayew missed a sitter for Palace unmarked at the back post 15 minutes before time with a strike across goal that missed narrowly wide.

Fred finally got the breakthrough for the Red Devils two minutes later with a curling strike on the edge of the box that looped over Guaita after a cut-back by Greenwood and United held on to clinch back-to-back wins.

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