Staff Reporter.
Manchester United made a winning start to life under interim boss Ralf Rangnick thanks to Fred’s 77th-minute winner.
A more energetic United display looked like going unrewarded against a dogged Crystal Palace outfit until Fred struck first-time from Mason Greenwood’s lay-off to send a superb 20-yard effort curling over Vicente Guaita and into the top corner.
It was only Fred’s second goal of the season – and the first time since the middle of September that United have recorded back-to-back league wins.
Until the Brazilian’s effort, Rangnick’s side created numerous decent chances, without really looking as though they were going to score and Guaita would probably have saved an Alex Telles free-kick that skimmed the bar had it been on target.
Indeed Palace, who were looking to win for a third successive season at Old Trafford, came close themselves when Jordan Ayew turned James Tomkins header across the face of goal and narrowly wide of the far post.
The victory meant that Rangnick emulated three of United’s other four new managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 by winning his first match at the helm, with Louis van Gaal the only man to fail.
Meanwhile Leeds United returning striker Patrick Bamford struck in added time as they snatched a 2-2 Premier League draw against Brentford in a high-intensity match at Elland Road on Sunday.
Elsewhere a stunning goal from winger Lucas Moura helped Tottenham Hotspur to a 3-0 home win over Norwich City on Sunday.
Moura fired Spurs into an early lead when he skipped past Norwich midfielder Billy Gilmour, played a nice one-two with teammate with Son Heung-Min and then produced a fierce strike from outside the box into the top left corner.
Victory lifted Spurs into fifth place with 25 points from 14 matches, 10 points off the top of the table but with a game in hand, as new manager Antonio Conte continued to make an impact.
Other Premier League Results:
Aston Villa 2-1 Leicester City.