Manchester United 1-0 Crystal Palace: Match ratings and Man of the Match

Ralf Rangnick’s reign as Manchester United manager got off to an impressive start on Sunday as the Red Devils beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Old Trafford.

It was a much improved performance for United in the first period and there was certainly an extra spring in the steps of the players, with a notable increase in off-the-ball pressure.

But for all their endeavour and good play it took until the second half for United to grab the decisive goal of the game, with an unlikely figure popping up to net the first goal of the Rangnick era.

It was Fred who curled home the all-important goal with a right-footed dipping effort from the edge of the box that handed the Red Devils all three points.

Manchester United match ratings

David De Gea- 6

Had little to do in the United goal and saved a comfortable Wilfried Zaha shot in the first period. Could have been a bit more commanding in coming out for a few Palace corners, but overall a solid performance for the goalkeeper.

Diogo Dalot- 6

Gave much more than Aaron Wan-Bissaka offensively and regularly bombed down the line, linking with the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo. The full-back fired a shot just over on the stroke of half-time after an impressive run.

Victor Lindelof- 7

A really dominant display from the Swede against the physical Christian Benteke. He mashalled him both airily and when the ball was at his feet, while Lindelof also looked good in possession.

Harry Maguire- 6

Like Lindelof, made light work of Benteke and had a relatively quiet afternoon. Could have been better in possession and gave a few risky passes.

Alex Telles- 6

A solid display from the former Porto man. He came close with three shots, one of which skimmed the bar in the second half. The defender dealt well with Zaha in the main, and combined with Sancho in the opposition half.

Scott McTominay- 6

Was quick and decisive in possession of the ball while also offering plenty of protection for the back four. Gave away clever fouls to prevent Palace counter-attacks.

Fred- 8

Much improved from a mixed showing in midweek, and was a ball of energy in the centre of park. Broke up several Palace attacks in their infancy and was quicker to release the ball. Came close with a first-half shot that was blocked en route to goal by James Tomkins, but he found the back of the net in the second half with a superb curled effort off his weaker foot.

Jadon Sancho- 6 (off 62)

The winger popped up all over the pitch and had an encouraging opening 30 minutes, although his level dipped as the game went on. He looked dangerous dribbling at the opposition defence, but perhaps gave away a few too many misplaced passes.

Bruno Fernandes- 7 (off 85)

The Portuguese midfielder was brilliant at Old Trafford. He flitted everywhere across the pitch, repeatedly found Ronaldo with long and short passes and also helped lead the press. Had less of an impact after half-time but was still heavily involved.

Marcus Rashford- 6 (off 75)

Like a few United players he started well on Sunday but drifted out of the game. Played in a more central role and looked dangerous when dribbling at the Palace backline.

Cristiano Ronaldo- 7

Was magnificent in the first half and came close to finding the deadlock on several occasions. He also linked well with Fernandes and Sancho, but those levels dipped after half-time. Ronaldo also pressed high in the first period, but that abated significantly in the second 45.

Mason Greenwood- 7 (on 62)

Provided energy during a time in which United’s performance had slumped. The youngster pressed well and provided the assist for Fred’s goal.

Anthony Elanga (on 75) & Donny van de Beek (on 85)

Crystal Palace ratings

Guaita 7; Clyne 5, Tomkins 6, Guehi 7, Mitchell 6; Schlupp 5, Kouyate 6 (Eze 84), Gallagher 6; Ayew 6 (Olise 84), Benteke 5 (Edouard 67;5), Zaha 6.