[Hugh Jass]

What do we need in January? A midfielder and a RB. Maybe another MF if pogba is going.

 

[RedPed]

Fred coming into his own is really satisfying. Hopefully we can get Tony Martial and Pogba doing the same going forward. Fans were great today. Loved Rangnick's comments about them in his first interview. With the run he now has, he should be able to do some damage.

 

[antohan]

Great match. Hoepfullt Ralf will get us top 4.

Crystal Palace were shockingly bad though

I think they still don't know what hit them. Nobody would have expected us to play so radically different to only a few days ago while making less mistakes than usual. By the time we tired and reverted to type they too were knackered and in disarray.

 

[The Dane]

There was a lot of positive things to take from today’s match not least the result but to be honest we did not produce many chances and were lucky to win today. I think we have to be very patient and hope that 4th place comes cheap this season, because I cannot see us suddenly go on a winning streak even though we have some “easy” fixtures in front of us.
We still have issues opening up teams that sits deep and with Bruno’s magic currently on hold and Rashford looking like he couldn’t care less hopefully Ralf will have the courage to think alternatively.
What I think was most positive today was that apart from a few nervous minutes at the end, I was never really afraid that Palace would score. The defenders all did well but most important the high pressure worked as the first line of defence.

 

[SplitzMagic]

Our Ralfy loves to shrugs his shoulders with question doesn't he?

 

[Robertd0803]

Get in there.

Still havent seen the match/highlights yet somehow so can honestly say Ive little idea of how things really played out.

 

[::sonny::]

Looked like United under Lvg
A lot of backward, slow and zombie passing, only Fred played well
Really not impressed, but at least a win with a clean sheet

 

[Wing Attack Plan R]

Normal service resumed.
Felt great to watch a United side that was relentless and ruthless. The first half was like watching a brand new team. Remember in "Total Recall" how a lowly construction worker gets reminded he's actually a world-class secret agent and suddenly starts blowing fools away? That's Ralf's first contribution: he reminded this squad they are elite internationals and not Dog & Duck.
I watched the game in Spanish so I was spared the usual homilies and trivia, which was a nice break. The Mexican announcers are so much better, they don't spend as much time driving a narrative for dramatic purposes, they just call what's in front of them.
It was intriguing to see which players would handle their audition well. The forward who wouldn't fit into this system isn't the dinosaur Ronaldo but is the youthful Rashford. You can forgive RR for keeping him on as long as he did, he gave him the benefit of the doubt. Rashford was found wanting. On this showing he's not fit, he's not ready, and Greenwood should get in ahead of him. In terms of positive contributions, Elanga had more impact. Great to also see RR using youth, embracing one of the credos of United.
Second half we started at a much slower pace. When Matic got up to do some warm ups around 49th minute, I figured a switch of personnel was going to involve Bruno, who had another erratic performance. Surprised RR left him on as long as he did, but again, auditions and so forth.
The RR template requires players to always show for the ball, always press, and to switch on instantly when possession is won back. It can allow for one erratic player, but not two or three or however many we're fielding. Bruno has been very erratic of late, and Fred's MOTM also featured both sides of the Fred coin: brilliant then dire, in the same passage of play. (Nb: the Spanish language announcers call him "Fredgie", which is how I will think of him now.) Bruno has to rediscover his mojo, has to learn to play it simple when he can, because we can't keep giving the ball away so cheaply with blind passes and heels to no one and over the top prayers.
Things RR could have done better were bringing off Bruno and Rashford 15 minutes earlier. Neither one warranted staying on past the 70th minute, and Rashie should have been off at 60. This high tempo requires a lot of the players and those two looked finished before they were subbed.
Very pleased with the development of Telles and Dalot. Turns out we owe an apology to those scouts who found them: they really can play football. It seemed both of them were more eager to play in dangerous crosses than the players nominally ahead of them in the lineup. Both need to improve but they offer at lot more attacking threat, and under this RR system it's going to be more important to offer a goal threat (Dalot) than a better tackle (AWB).
Very stoked for RR to get a win in his first match because his way will work, and our players worked their socks off to get that result.

 

[HaliRed]

I am quite surprised at some of the comments in here.

We were a fair bit sloppy in the final third, but the control that Ralf spoke of was visible throughout the match. They had one realistic chance of scoring, one which I thought might have been ruled out for offside if it had gone in. He said he would minimize the coincidence factor and did exactly that.

I just read someone post that this was LVG United-like with backwards passing, which unless it was a wind up, was the exact opposite of how our gameplan developed.

It was a good start, especially on the defensive side of things. Second half offensive showing was a bit tired, but with the same team selection and new tactics, was a bit expected. What I enjoyed was the lack of sloppiness on defense in spite of the tiredness.

 

[Moriarty]

Looked like United under Lvg
A lot of backward, slow and zombie passing, only Fred played well
Really not impressed, but at least a win with a clean sheet

Yep, that's about the size of it. I didn't expect to see a lot of change from the way we've been playing. Viera is finding his feet at Palace and they really needed to stop the rot and get something from today so it was all so familiar. Ayew should have scored and I wouldn't have complained about a draw.

I don't know what Ralf can achieve on his own in so short a time. The old coaches are still there and they will have to get used to his way of doing things. If we appoint a new man for next season, he'll likely bring his own coaching staff with him so maybe the best that Ralf can do is smooth the way. Any trophies we win this year will be a massive bonus.

 

[Sviken]

Looked like United under Lvg
A lot of backward, slow and zombie passing, only Fred played well
Really not impressed, but at least a win with a clean sheet

What match were some people here watching? I genuinely do not get it. How can you call our first half "slow and zombie passing"? It was the exact opposite of that. And the second half we didn't really play slow either, we just reverted back to the chaotic Oleball FC. Nothing even remotely similar to LVG, even when we didn't play well.

 

[Ferguson’s Hairdryer]

I think they still don't know what hit them. Nobody would have expected us to play so radically different to only a few days ago while making less mistakes than usual. By the time we tired and reverted to type they too were knackered and in disarray.

This… I don’t think people realise how different we are to when we played Watford. I commented in the Arsenal or Chelsea match thread that our pressing looked like we were doing 3 go press, and wondered if Rangnick had been communicating his system to Carrick.

Obviously this is still baby steps but can see the signs of the foundations of where he wants things to go. The most difficult part is getting the final ball to create more chances and defending the long through balls especially against fast forwards.

But the signs look good, can only imagine what this team would be like if this guy had been managing us for 12 months and had a pre season.

 

[noodlehair]

I don't disagree Noodle. I said it was fair enough as I asked him what he'd have done differently so his opinion and all.

I don't see Rangnick moving from Fred and Mctominay for the time being myself. VDB might get an opportunity and if he cant press and use the ball more effectively could potentially partner Fred.

Matic isn't someone I see Rangnick as getting a tune out of in that role though. He may, of course, adapt the system to accommodate him.

Yeah makes sense. I just couldn't be bothered to go back and find the original post so just replied to you instead!

I don't think there is a system Rangnick can or will adapt to in order to accomodate someone who is just too slow of foot and mind to do the job he wants them to do. I'll be amazed if Matic plays except when there is no other choice and I'll be even more amazed if it didn't have a negative impact on the team's performance, since even under Ole it invariably did. Maguire was visibly struggling with the instruction to move the ball quicker as well I thought. Looked like he'd been jolted out of bed by an army sergeant...but he's got much more of a chance to adapt since he isn't in midfield.

I'd like VDB to get a chance too but I don't know if he's physically imposing enough to play next to Fred. The problem with Fred is that any opposition player over 5ft can literally just bounce him out of the way (or in Traore's case just sprint along freely with Fred dangling off him). That's where McTominay becomes important because he's both versatile and a lot more physically imposing, and I'm not sure VDB is the latter...at least not to the same extent. The problem is McTominay much as I actually like him, just hasn't been playing well or offering enough. His passing has become Fellaini like this season and the pointlessly risky sideways passing and pivoting for the sake of a pivot is becmoing a big annoyance.

I think what it boils down to is that we all knew this was the problem area of the team before the season, and it wasn't sorted out, so now Rangnick is just going to have to work with it. I definitely think/hope he'll utilise VDB more, and at least if we play as a unit like today there wont be a big glaring hole in the middle of the pitch every game for the opposition to piss about in.

Klopp showed at Liverpool you don't need perfect or high quality players in every area of the pitch to get the team to play better and more effectively, and to its strengths...this is what I like about Rangnick so far as well. There's only really words to go on at the moment but it seems to be all about playing in a way that means the strong part of our team affects the game rather than the weak part.

 

[AndyMUFC]

So glad Rangnick got off to a winning start. Fred, Dalot, Lindelof, Telles and Sancho all had very good afternoons. Not convinced McTominay is good enough to start and Rashford needs up to his game. Sick of him running into defenders and being offside constantly.

Our first glimpse at gegenpress United in the first half was a breath of fresh air, loved the intensity and forward passing. We didn't create many clear cut chances but for 2 days work it was encouraging. Was clear quite quickly that even though it was the same team as the other night, it was a definite 4-2-2-2 with Sancho and Fernandes playing inside and the full backs pushing forward.

I think it took a lot out of us as we're not used to it in the slightest, and that's the only thing with trying to implement it in mid season and with games coming so thick and fast. So it meant the second half was a scrappy affair though to be fair where neither team was creating a lot but a cracking strike from Fred to win it.

 

[Pretzels81]

3 points. Clean sheet. I'll take it.

 

[manichester]

Fred, Dalot, Telles and Lindelof all very good. Sancho getting to know his teammates more with every game. Nice to have a clean sheet and can only remember Palace having one clear chance all game, but our fitness level is so poor, whoever is responsible needs to go.

 

[Ferguson’s Hairdryer]

Fred, Dalot, Telles and Lindelof all very good. Sancho getting to know his teammates more with every game. Nice to have a clean sheet and can only remember Palace having one clear chance all game, but our fitness level is so poor, whoever is responsible needs to go.

Imagine your used to walking 5 miles to work everyday, but then you’re expected to run those 5 miles…. You’ll get gassed very quickly no matter how fit you are, it will take you time to build it up.

 

[BootsyCollins]

First game at Old Trafford in a couple of years. The guy in front of me had a ”Fred” shirt on and heard people teasing him. After the match he just stood there with his hands in the air. Was almost as happy for him as i was for the win.

 

[Berbasbullet]

First game at Old Trafford in a couple of years. The guy in front of me had a ”Fred” shirt on and heard people teasing him. After the match he just stood there with his hands in the air. Was almost as happy for him as i was for the win.

what a legend! Think he will excel under Ralf.

 

[Sandikan]

First game at Old Trafford in a couple of years. The guy in front of me had a ”Fred” shirt on and heard people teasing him. After the match he just stood there with his hands in the air. Was almost as happy for him as i was for the win.

Brilliant

People seem to focus on the stuff he's not good at, rather than being a pressing animal, playing the wrong position for most of his time here.

 

[Winrar]

We played about as well as I expected, a team implementing a proper high press for the first time.

Some promising plays in the first half but lethargic second. Took a bit of luck to get the 3 points but I'll take any win.

 

[Dante]

How many backheels did we play today? Must have been around 20. I don't think I've ever seen a team try so many in a single game.

The Rangnick era.

 

[USREDEVIL]

Great first half, almost entirely in control except for an odd run. Dalot is getting a lot of praise but I think AWB is overall better. Fred did great today, moving around making decent passes and took his chance. McT was not very important and I was hoping to replace him with VDB but whatever. This is one of the few games I've seen in a long time where I felt we actually played better than the opposition. They blocked a lot of shots in the first half which may have gotten us to 1 or 2-0 at the half.

Deserved win, onwards and upwards.

 

[Bastian]

It's amazing to listen to Tim Sherwood analyse our pressing and explaining what Rangnick needs to do better

 

[Carolina Red]

We played about as well as I expected, a team implementing a proper high press for the first time.

Some promising plays in the first half but lethargic second. Took a bit of luck to get the 3 points but I'll take any win.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[USREDEVIL]

First game at Old Trafford in a couple of years. The guy in front of me had a ”Fred” shirt on and heard people teasing him. After the match he just stood there with his hands in the air. Was almost as happy for him as i was for the win.

That's a brave man. Props to him and Fred looks like he might fit in great with Rangnick; McT not so much I think.

 

[Eddy_JukeZ]

First 30 or so minutes was pretty good.

We faded after that.

Good win. Our pressing was really good in the 1st half.

 

[freddie the red]

Haven't seen the match yet so can't talk in specifics but listening to R5L I thought it was ripe for a Palace smash and grab, very pleased then that Fredge got the game's only goal!
Was very encouraged by the first half display, even Pat Nevin was positive about it, and not surprised about the 2nd half drop off in intensity. It'll take much longer than a couple/few weeks to reach the fitness levels that Ralf's tactics demand.
All in all, a win, a clean sheet and plenty of positives. Let's keep it up with a sustained run of wins now.

 

[Knux]

Some positives from the game. This team only thrives in a clear heavy metal system with clear instructions. It’s the only way from here. Hell, I even have hopes for Pogba in this setup which says a lot.

The future is looking bright for a few players under Ralf. Players who will thrive is Sancho, Fred, McTom, Lindelöf and Dalot imo. Varane loves a high line so he will be useful.

Rashford and Greenwood needs to get some form and motivation back, but Im sure they come good under Ralf eventually.

 

[crossy1686]

Few things I noticed today.

- We're playing much higher up the pitch instead of deep in our own half, on the edge of our own box.
- Intensity was better than anything we've seen this season. A goal felt inevitable for a good 75 minutes.
- We tried to control and dominate the game, it was hard for Palace to settle and feel comfortable on the ball at any point. The organised press really helped.
- The wingbacks were great, as were the two 10's.
- Lot's of forward passes, lot's of intent to put Palace on the back foot and make them really worried about the space in behind, which forced them deeper.
- We restricted Palace to long distance shots and for the most part they had nothing clear but, except for the Ayew miss. (I paused the replay, he was offside anyway, would have been ruled out)
- We were sloppy from 60 minutes onwards, looked like a fitness issue more than anything. Players were still switched on and pushing.
- Too much poor decision making in and around the box.
- We'd have lost this game under Solskjaer, no doubt about it.

Really looking forward to the next 10 games, we have a good run. I can honestly see 10 wins on the bounce

 

[Resch]

Great first match, great improvements. It will take some time but everyone saw the difference today. Pressing, active defending, closing spaces.... All things we never saw under Ole. Next steps have to be getting fit as a team and getting used to the speed, especially our attackers.

 

[RC89]

The fitness level is a major concerne for me. Playing gegen fotball for 30 minutes before burning out and playing shit will not work.

We saw the same with Klopp and Liverpool at the start. It's a drastic departure to how we used to play. I'm not worried yet, it'll take a bit of time to get used to.

 

[minoo-utd]

What I have noticed is we made very few miss passes and mistakes unlike before we usually easily gave the ball away also our full backs in Telles and Dalot were full of energy catching the whole line and put big threat to Shaw and AWB. Going forward was easy at first half but we still have to work harder to create more chances, Greenwood was more effective than Sancho and picked always the right straight passes. And Fred second game in a row he puts magnificent performance all the game. Defensively we were more confident a lot.

 

[Gator Nate]

First game at Old Trafford in a couple of years. The guy in front of me had a ”Fred” shirt on and heard people teasing him. After the match he just stood there with his hands in the air. Was almost as happy for him as i was for the win.

Pure awesomeness there. I'm a Fred fan, and loved what I saw from him for Brazil during the Copa America. Loved that he got the goal.

So... about today. The only deviation from what I see as Ole's starting XI, given availability, was that Dalot got the nod over AWB. So everyone should be complaining, right?

And Donny. He got subbed on with four minutes to go. If that doesn't scream "Ole Substitution," I don't know what does. I mean, he should have been starting, right? But we got McFred. Ole's favorite.

I was Ole in, but I'm a results guy. His sacking was fair given the results. One thing I do find odd, and found odd all season so far, was the lack of fitness in this squad. That's exactly what Jose left Ole with three years ago. It was obvious he wanted better fitness when he took over, and the first full season we had it. Something happened.

It would be interesting to know what Ralf told them in two days to make what looked like a fairly drastic change in effort. Or is that just new manager bounce?

This is not pessimism, though. I do believe Rangnick has a lot to offer us, and things will get better. Results matter, and he got the win today.

What I'm looking for over the next several weeks is squad rotation. What does the new guy do with a quality squad and a fixture list that makes one's head spin? This could be a lot of fun.

Shout out to Lindelof, Sancho, and Dalot for excellent performances as well. Oh, and Telles can still cross. I had gotten worried. Greenwood substitution was good as well. I'm banking on Greenwood and Van de Beek starting against Young Boys.

 

[Dansk]

It is kind of worrying that when trying on a style of play that some teams can maintain for 90 minutes, this team looks knackered after 30. Really says a lot about the previous management. I'm tempted to suspect that given Ole's history as a player, he might not concern himself very much with stamina. Whatever the case, it's clear that the team needs to run more in training. Pretty disappointing to see the players exhausted after half an hour.

 

[Daengophile]

3 steps forward today

Defence
Chasing down
Fred

It's a big move in the right direction

 

[Marcus]

He said he wanted to see more control from us, and we did that today. For the most part we did what we've consistently failed to do for a while, which is make lesser teams look as ordinary as they actually are.

Not that we looked great second half either, but certainly the better team.

Win and a clean sheet, and positive signs for how we might play going forward. Can't ask for much more

Fully fully agree!

 

[Red_toad]

Didn’t we get a clean sheet vs Villarreal?

Yes it was 2-0, statman Dave fail and plenty believed it

 

[Teja]

What do we need in January? A midfielder and a RB. Maybe another MF if pogba is going.

Credit to Dalot and Telles but proper wing backs will be nice. Night and day between the likes of Cancelo, Walker, James, Chilwell, TAA, Robertson and these two.

I am quite surprised at some of the comments in here.

We were a fair bit sloppy in the final third, but the control that Ralf spoke of was visible throughout the match. They had one realistic chance of scoring, one which I thought might have been ruled out for offside if it had gone in. He said he would minimize the coincidence factor and did exactly that.

I just read someone post that this was LVG United-like with backwards passing, which unless it was a wind up, was the exact opposite of how our gameplan developed.

It was a good start, especially on the defensive side of things. Second half offensive showing was a bit tired, but with the same team selection and new tactics, was a bit expected. What I enjoyed was the lack of sloppiness on defense in spite of the tiredness.

Agree 100%. People saying we got lucky and they wouldn't have complained about a draw are clueless.

Almost total control, forced them to abandon short passing in favor of going long every single time.

I can't count the number of positives that I saw from this game.

They had one proper chance and let's note that Palace have the 2nd best xGA in the league.

 

[Red-17]

It is kind of worrying that when trying on a style of play that some teams can maintain for 90 minutes, this team looks knackered after 30. Really says a lot about the previous management. I'm tempted to suspect that given Ole's history as a player, he might not concern himself very much with stamina. Whatever the case, it's clear that the team needs to run more in training. Pretty disappointing to see the players exhausted after half an hour.

I don't think we really looked knackered tbh. The main thing that changed from the half hour mark was that Palace almost completely ceased trying to play the ball out from the back because we were winning it in dangerous areas literally almost every single time they tried it. They started playing it long and trying to just win second balls instead.

This basically meant that instead of us winning the ball 30 yards from goal with 5 of 6 Palace players behind the ball, it was 50-60 yards from goal with 9 or 10 behind the ball. That made it much more difficult to break them down consequently, but in both phases, we were dominant in terms of ball possession and overall control. Palace didn't create a single chance that was anything other than a speculative effort from open play the entire game. Compare that to how many dangerous chances we have consistently conceded in games against similar quality sides this season and it was night and day.