Ralf Rangnick praises Man United star’s work-rate after 1-0 win over Palace

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has praised the work-rate of Cristiano Ronaldo after their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Palace travelled to Old Trafford for Rangnick’s first match as United manager, having been officially appointed as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s successor on Monday.

Fred scored the winning goal for Rangnick’s side, a curling effort from outside the box that beat Vicente Guaita in the 77th minute.

Rangnick made no personnel changes to the United team as he named his starting line-up, but Ronaldo did start up front alongside Marcus Rashford in a changed 4-2-2-2 system.

And the 63-year-old appeared happy with Ronaldo’s contribution, saying: “We wanted to play with two strikers, especially in the central position.

“By the way, Cristiano Ronaldo’s work off the ball, chapeau.

“I am very happy with the way the team performed, especially the first half hour, with the pressing, it was exceptional. The only thing missing was the 1-0 or 2-0.”

Ronaldo played 90 minutes in the Palace win, with United due to face Young Boys in a dead-rubber Champions League fixture on Tuesday.