It was a much needed win for Manchester United when they hosted Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, looking to end their recent mishaps against the Eagles, against whom they were winless in their last two meetings and went on to win by a lone goal courtesy of Fred.
The Brazilian midfielder has been at the receiving end of many sticks, especially this season and most recently in the game against Arsenal, where he eventually won the penalty that Cristiano Ronaldo converted to win the game.
Aaron Wan Bissaka and Nemanja Matic both missed the Arsenal visit in midweek due to injury, but they were only fit enough to earn their places on the bench as new interim manager, Ralf Ragnick opted to start with the same team that defeated Arsenal.
Joel Ward was unavailable for Crystal Palace due to suspension and his place was taken by Nathaniel Clyne, who had not played active football since the early part of this year. Christian Benteke also started ahead of Odsonne Edouard.
United were a bit more composed than they had been in recent times and it was a great chance that fell to Ronaldo in the 22nd minute. The visitors lost the ball, allowing Viktor Lindelof to send a ball over the Palace defence to find Marcus Rashford, who set up Ronaldo, but his shot was too easy for Vicente Guaita.
The former World Footballer of the year then when on to set up Bruno Fernandes for a half volley after another ball over the top, this time by Harry Maguire, but his compatriot could only force a save off Guaita.
On the 75 minute mark, Palace got a rare chance at goal when James Tomkins headed a corner back across goal for Jordan Ayew to cross back on target. His ball couldn't be met by Cheikhou Kouyate for a tap in.
Moments later, United would get the only goal of the game through the much maligned Fred. Substitute, Mason Greenwood was caught in between Palace players, but did well enough to create space and cut the ball back to the edge of the box for Fred to send in a curler into the top corner and win the game for the hosts.
Concluding Thoughts
The circumstances surrounding Manchester United have made the fact that they have remained unbeaten since the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer go under the radar.
A win to start the reign of their second interim manager since the departure of the Norwegian is the best possible result, one that takes them within three points o the last Champions League spot.
It is worrying times for Patrick Viera after a promising start to the campaign as they have now earned just four points in their last five games and currently sit six points above the relegation zone with a lot of work to do if they are to avoid the last minute battles for survival.
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