5 Things We Learned From Manchester United 1-0 Crystal Palace

Ralf Rangnick first game as Man United manager is in the history books and it goes down as a win against a very tough Crystal Palace side, who have started the season well.

Man United fans didn’t know what to expect from a Rangnick side with only half a day of training but what we got was a more attacking, more controlled and more entertaining style of play with each player putting in their required shift.

So what 5 things did we learn from Rangnick’s first game in charge of Manchester United.

5 – Wan Bissaka and Shaw In Trouble

The modern game has a major reliance on fullbacks to attack and other wide attacking options high up the pitch and with the formation of a narrow 4-2-2-2, both Dalot and Telles were the only ones to add width to the attack.

Both played extremely well both on the front foot and in defence which is what a fullback needs to do in this new Rangnick system.

They pressed well and pocketed the potential deadly wingers of Crystal Palace.

This could spell trouble for both Aaron Wan Bissaka and Luke Shaw who despite poor form, always had their starting place secured under old management but with both the Portugal and Brazil internationals starting like under Ralf well, we could see a shift in fullbacks moving forward.

4 – Fred Could Become A Top Class Midfielder

Speaking of players that suit the system well, Fred put in a man of the match performance against Palace.

The goal was well taken and demonstrated a good footballing intelligence, something the Brazilian has been lacking of late, but it was more his relentless pressing that won us the game.

Fred will be a player that thrives under Rangnick and seeing midfielders like Jorginho become world beaters under new coaching, Fred could soon be talked about as a world class talent.

3 – Ronaldo Will Be Just Fine

Many doubted how Cristiano Ronaldo could fit in a system where pressing and workrate is critical but the game against Palace showed that CR7 won’t be left behind.

The amount of chances he creates for himself because of his running could have easily seen the game off in the first half and on another day probably would of.

Rangnick has previously stated his views on Ronaldo and players of a similar age but the German has since praised Cristiano for his machine like physical condition at the age of 36.

No need to worry about one of the best.

2 – Rangnick Is A Fan Of Elanga

Anthony Elanga first appeared on the scene at the back end of last season but has since gone M.I.A but Rangnick is clearly a fan of the young Swede.

Putting him on the bench is one thing but bringing him on when the game was still tied at 0-0 is trust that you want your manager to show in the youth.

Anthony is obviously a hard worker and it clearly showed on that day of training Rangnick held with the players.

Expect to see much more of Elanga in the future.

1 – The Team Can Press As One

Doubts have crept in over the last few weeks about Man United and how the team will cope with pressing but Sunday showed that there is nothing to worry about.

The second half was much slower which is to be expected from a team that had one proper day training but the opening 30-40 minutes was a clear example that this team can cope with the relentless pressing and attacking workrate.

Some players may not be as suited as others but working well as a unit in a gegenpress system seems to be something that Man United can deal with and that will only bring excitement and glory back to Manchester United.

 

Anything else we learned from the game? Let us know down below in the comments section.