Sunday, December 5th, 2021
Three points to debut at United
Rangnick lets Manchester run and win
Ralf Rangnick’s idea for the game is already visible in phases – and the new Manchester United team manager makes his debut with a win. Against Crystal Palace it takes a long time to experience success, but the change of coach at the English record champions is paying off for now.
Ralf Rangnick celebrated a victory for his debut as head coach at Manchester United. The English soccer champions beat Crystal Palace 1-0 (0-0) and improved to sixth place in the Premier League for the time being. The Brazilian Fred crowned a largely convincing performance by the hosts in the 77th minute with the first goal of Rangnick’s tenure. The 63-year-old coach shook his fist with glee after his team had previously missed a few good opportunities.
Right from the start, the home side at Old Trafford had more of the game and already showed signs of Rangnick’s game philosophy. United put Palace under pressure early on, and at times did well with an accurate passing game. The Rangnick-Elf could not keep up the high pace. Fred’s fine sweep gave the new coach the success he had hoped for. A victory in the first game had never before been achieved by a German coach in the Premier League.
Rangnick was only officially introduced to Man United on Friday. He saw the 3-2 win against Arsenal on Thursday as a spectator in the stadium because he still lacked the necessary work permit. On Monday United announced that Rangnick would succeed the most recently hapless Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He should lead the team until the end of the season. Rangnick will then work as a consultant in the club for another two years.
Rangnick, who had coached RB Leipzig, FC Schalke 04 and Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga, most recently worked as a sports director at Lokomotiv Moscow. The Russian first division team prematurely terminated the contract with Rangnick, clearing the way for the move to the Premier League.