Rangnick was poised for a disappointing start to life in the Premier League after 76 minutes. His team had appeared more dynamic than his predecessors, but they were unable to break down an obstinate Palace defence until space opened up on the outskirts of the area for Fred.
Fred's goal in the 77th minute ended the game and propelled United to sixth place in the Premier League. The score came after Palace had missed its best chance of the game when Jordan Ayew failed to convert a penalty kick. United ousted manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer two weeks ago, with caretaker manager Michael Carrick taking charge. The results of one training session under the pressing guru were instantly visible, and while United's strikers were as spectacular as any on the field, it was their effort off the ball that characterized the day.