Ralf Rangnick has started his reign at Manchester United on a bright note as the interim manager led the Red Devils to a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Fred was the unlikely hero as he pulled out a beautiful shot to win the day and finally broke Palace’s resistance on 77 minutes.
That sensational strike by the Brazilian secured all three points for United.
Rangnick’s side seemed to line up in a 4-2-2-2 shape with Marcus Rashford partnering Cristiano Ronaldo upfront and leading their pressing, with Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes just behind them.
However, despite these promising signs, few chances were created by the home team in the opening 45 minutes.
Ronaldo fired over with a free-kick, while Palace had a couple of half-chances on the break, but there was nothing clear-cut from either side.
This pattern continued into the second half as both defences held firm, while United began to revert to some old habits.
Mason Greenwood replaced Sancho on the hour mark while Patrick Vieira brought on Odsonne Edouard in place of Christian Benteke.
With just over 20 to go, Alex Telles fired a free kick from the right wing against the top of the crossbar and it looked as if it may not be United’s day.
An even better chance fell to Palace’s Jordan Ayew just five minutes later as he fired across goal and wide after the ball was headed to him from an initial corner.
This warning sparked the winner as United responded by charging back onto the attack.
In the 77th minute, Fred made himself the unlikely hero as he struck a sweet shot from outside the penalty area over Vicente Guaita and into the back of the Palace net.
After recording rare clean sheet and securing maximum points in his maiden outing, many will be keen to see United sustain the momentum going forward.
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