Ralf Rangnick impressed by Cristiano Ronaldo work-rate against Crystal Palace

Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t score against Crystal Palace, but he was at the heart of the chances Manchester United created in a dominant first-half display.

The Portuguese superstar was a constant threat for the Eagles until United’s intensity levels dropped, although that did not stop him having an impact on the game as a lethal presence up front.

United’s only goal to win the game came from Fred, who doesn’t score many, let alone a right-footer into the top corner!

It was a sensational finish and a goal we thoroughly deserved after controlling most of the game.

Anyone who watched the match will see why Ralf Rangnick was happy with the performance from his team.

The players only had two days of training with their new manager, yet it is already clear how the German wants his team to set up.

He spoke to BBC Sport about United’s performance and took a moment to praise Cristiano Ronaldo for his efforts throughout the match.

“I am very happy with the way the team performed, especially the first half hour, with the pressing, it was exceptional,” Rangnick said.

“The only thing missing was the 1-0 or 2-0.

“The way we defended, we had control of the whole game, the clean sheet was the most important part.

“These are the things we must improve. We need to keep clean sheets. With just the one training session, I was really impressed. We did much better than expected.

“We always tried to be on the front foot. We were never not apart from maybe the last five minutes. At all other times we were trying to keep them away from our goal.

“We wanted to play with two strikers, especially in the central position. By the way, Cristiano Ronaldo’s work off the ball, chapeau.”

A lot has been written about Ronaldo and Rangnick not being a compatible duo.

We’ve said from day one that those opinions were premature – even though Ronaldo is 36-years-old and beyond his prime years.

He still worked hard and earned a hat tip from his new manager.

How will the critics who see Ronaldo as the problem twist this one?

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