It might have only been Ralf Rangnick’s first game in charge of Manchester United, but the signs of improvement were already there for all to see. The Red Devils showed a kind of energy that we had not seen from them this season often and looked much better on both ends of the pitch. For all of their good work though, for a large part of the match, it looked like they were headed for a draw against Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace.
They had an unlikely hero on this occasion in the form of Fred. The Brazilian midfielder has had his fair share of critics over the years but has looked pretty impressive in recent weeks. And it was his wonderful strike that sealed all three points for Manchester United in Rangnick’s first game as the interim manager of the club.
Not only was the win encouraging though. It was also the fact that the Red Devils managed to keep a clean sheet, something that has not happened very often this season.
Bruno Fernandes has revealed what the interim manager wants from the players. As reported by the Mirror, he explained to BBC Match of the Day:
"“I think it depends on the game, sometimes you have to press more, sometimes less.“But everyone knows the manager wants more pressing from us.“The first 25 minutes was unbelievable, great tempo. We could have scored so many in the first half.“We have to follow our new manager’s instructions. Now we go again to the Champions League.”"
Manchester United showed some promising early signs under Rangnick
While the scoreline might not suggest so, but this was pretty much a dominant performance from the Red Devils.
Ever since the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the results have improved. Over the past four games, they have won three and drawn one and it was not an easy run of fixtures at all.
And this squad is more than good enough to not only get back in the Champions League spots, but also compete for trophies.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Red Devils under the management of Rangnick, but the early signs will raise the hopes of the Manchester United fans for sure.