Ralf Rangnick's United debut: Game one, game won, game on

Fred the Red! Manchester United midfielder celebrates after scoring the winner against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday. (Photo credit: Premierleague.com)

Manchester United got off to a winning start under new manager Ralf Rangnick and you can immediately see the much advertised “gengen pressing” in full gear.

1-0 score line can often be swept under the carpet of luck and whatnot but you can’t overemphasize the importance of such result in the scheme of things as it has somehow restored United into the top six mix firmly with sights on the top four at least for now.

Crystal Palace had other ideas for the new manager as they took the game to United, stay in the game for as long as possible was the plan and the Eagles did just that before a goal from an unlikely source undid their defense.

Fred has been a subject of criticism in all of United’s bad games but no one talks about the fact that every single manager that has walked into Old Trafford since he was signed picked him every time he was available; that should count for something.

Rangnick restored the same team that started against Arsenal in midweek then chopped things on the hour mark as he went in search of the first goal of his reigns. Mason Greenwood was called on and there was also a shock introduction of young Sweden lad Elanga for the tired Marcus Rashford.

It was Greenwood who took a pass in the area, held up well and then set up Fred who’s effort beat Vincent Guita at the top corner, Old Trafford went into bedlam, Fred wheeled away in celebration and the manager punched the air in sheer excitement.

Palace threw everything forward, Patrick Vieira chased the game with the introduction of Ebere Eze and Michael Olise, but it was too little too late to deny the Red Devils their much needed first win under their interim German tactician.

The result took United to sixth, just behind Spurs in 5^th after the North London side swept aside bottom club Norwich on Sunday and one point ahead of Arsenal although the Gunners could leapfrog them with a win at troubled Everton on Monday night football.