Ralf Rangnick vindicated for staying loyal to Fred after criticism from Man Utd fans – David McDonnell

[ad_1]

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick got off to a winning start as his side beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday thanks to a goal from Fred

Video upload

Video unavailable

The video will play automatically soon8Cancel

Play now

In pictures: Man Utd v Crystal Palace

Ralf Rangnick got off to a winning start, thanks to a world champion from one of Manchester United’s most maligned players.

Fred has been criticized during his three and a half years at United with the consensus among fans being that he is simply not good enough to don the famous red jersey.

But the Brazilian ensured the victory of interim boss Rangnick in his opener, a majestic finish with 13 minutes remaining, making it the perfect start for the 63-year-old German.

Rangnick admitted getting immediate results was the most important thing, but the manner of that victory, with United more solid and compact, provided a positive platform to build on.

The sight of Cristiano Ronaldo directing the ball into his own zone in added time, then sprinting 50 yards to close an opponent, summed up the work ethic demanded by Rangnick.

How good was Fred’s goal against Crystal Palace? Let us know in the comments below!

Fred scored the Manchester United winner against Crystal Palace (

Picture:

Reuters)

A first clean sheet at home for 235 days was another huge advantage, with United’s collective industry and defensive strength suggesting Rangnick has already convinced them of his philosophy.

He remained with the same roster that had beaten Arsenal 3-2 three days earlier, despite calling United’s performance ‘precarious’ and admitting there was a lot that he didn’t disliked about it.

Yet Rangnick’s influence, even though he only had 48 hours to work with the squad, was evident from the start, with United pressing and playing with greater intensity than they had shown all the time. season.

His propensity for such an intense approach, to quickly regain possession, was taken into account by United players, who shut down their opponents, never giving them time on the ball.

In total, United recovered the ball 12 times in the final period, more than in any other game this season, with statistic proving Rangnick was able to get his point across, despite such limited time.

Bruno Fernandes opens Ralf Rangnick’s instructions to Man Utd after Crystal Palace win Ralf Rangnick collects rewards after following Fred’s advice that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ignored

While the approach saw United poking Palace in their own half for most of the first 45 minutes, they failed to score a goal.

Ronaldo sent an early free kick, then saw an effort blocked, after compatriot Bruno Fernandes chose him with a lob-corner of a pass.

Fred had a shot on goal directed by James Tomkins, while Diogo Dalot – who retained his spot at right-back ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka – sent a curling shot aside after joining Scott McTominay.

Inevitably, for a team that weren’t used to pressing with such intensity, United were unable to maintain such a high level of energy and dived, giving Palace a respite from the relentless pressure.

Alex Telles hit the bar with an angled free kick in the 68th minute, but it was an isolated opportunity as carelessness and lack of conviction combined to undermine United’s attacking play.

Palace should have taken the lead with 15 minutes remaining, but Jordan Ayew couldn’t aim his angled shot at the target and watched him slide excruciatingly wide.

But it was United who made the breakthrough, Fred curling an exquisite shot into the far corner, after Mason Greenwood drew three opponents towards him, before dropping the ball.

It was Fred’s first goal since August and a justification for him after enduring so much criticism. For Rangnick it was the perfect start, now the challenge is to build on it and take United forward.

Read more

Ralf Rangnick left Man Utd first session on the same advice as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Read more

Man Utd have warned his Ralf Rangnick succession plan could be ruined by Liverpool

[ad_2]