Rangnick starts Man Utd reign with win

London, Dec. 5: Manchester United started the Ralf Rangnick era with a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Sunday as Tottenham crushed Norwich 3-0 to extend their recent revival under Antonio Conte.

Leeds struck late to draw 2-2 with Brentford as new Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard prepared to lock horns with his former boss at Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers, in the late match against Leicester.

Rangnick, taking the reins for the first time, named an unchanged side at Old Trafford after United beat Arsenal 3-2 in midweek.

Cristiano Ronaldo had the hosts’ best chances as Palace initially struggled to get a foothold but the game remained goalless at half-time.

United’s performance levels dipped in the second period and Rangnick threw on Mason Greenwood and Anthony Elanga for Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford to inject fresh energy into his attack.

But it was oftenmaligned Brazil midfielder Fred who broke the deadlock, curling home a superb strike past Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita from outside the box after a pass from Greenwood.

The three points lifts United to sixth place in the table, three points behind fourth-placed West Ham.

SPURS HAVE IT EASY

Spurs are one point ahead of United with a game in hand after cruising to a 3-0 win against bottom side Norwich — their third straight win in the Premier League.

Lucas Moura opened the scoring in the 10th minute.

Tottenham doubled their lead midway through the second half when Davinson Sanchez smashed home a loose ball from a corner. Son Heungmin made it 3-0 in the 77th minute.