Fabulous Fred!

Manchester United’s Fred celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace in an EPL tie at Old Trafford in Manchester, yesterday. Pics/Getty Images

Ralf Rangnick's reign at Manchester United got off to a winning start thanks to a stunning strike from the much-maligned Fred to beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

A bright start from the Red Devils fizzled out without reward and the German looked like he might have to settle for a disappointing draw in his first match since taking charge until the end of the season.

Ralf Rangnick

Magic moment

But Fred, who had been a target for much of the criticism towards the end of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time as manager, produced a moment of magic with a curling effort on his weaker right foot 13 minutes from time to snatch a crucial victory.

Also Read: Carrick not in contact with Rangnick for Arsenal clash

Change in approach

United move back to within three points of the top four and up to sixth in the Premier League table. There were no immediate changes from Rangnick in the line-up as he named an unchanged side from Thursday's 3-2 win over Arsenal.

But there was an instant change in approach as United pressed Palace into coughing up possession deep inside their own half twice in the first five minutes. However, there was a lack of precision to match United's intensity.

Cristiano Ronaldo took his tally of goals for club and country to 801 with a double in midweek, but his long wait to net from a free-kick goes on as his effort from the edge of the box did not dip in time.

Also Read: Manchester United hires Ralf Rangnick as manager until end of season

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