Manchester United: Check Out the Biggest “WINNERs & LOSERS” from Ralf Rangnick’s first game in charge of the Red Devils- Despite not having an unblemished performance, Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United tenure got off to a perfect start as the Red Devils enjoyed a one-nil victory over Crystal Palace. Manchester United looked to be a much solid team than they were under former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The home team pressed better; their counter-pressing was sensational especially in the first thirty minutes of the game. With the help of this victory Manchester United moved up to sixth place in the league, only three points behind fourth-placed West Ham.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 6, 2021
United had a few decent goalscoring opportunities in the first half, but they were nothing more than half chances for the home team. United showed a lot of energy and good spirit in this game, so we decided to take a look at some players who were the Biggest “WINNERs & LOSERS” from Ralf Rangnick’s first game in charge of the Red Devils-
- WINNERS:
- Fred: Fred turned out to be Manchester United’s match-winner, he was the unlikely hero who helped in getting Man United over the line. The Brazilian netted late in the second half to give Ralf Rangnick’s men a narrow win over Crystal Palace in the German’s first game in charge. The Brazilian curled a sublime effort into the top corner with his weaker right foot, just as it looked like Rangnick’s first match was going to end in a goalless draw.
The Brazilian was heavily involved at both the ends of the pitch, Fred completed a game high:
- 10 successful passes into the final 3rd (2nd most)
- 10 total duels won both (16 duel contested)
- 2 shots
- 1 goal
Alex Telles’ game by numbers vs. Crystal Palace:
104 touches
14 final third entries
14 penalty box entries
10 duels won
9 crosses
7 tackles made
4 ball recoveries
3 aerial duels won
2 shotsAnd a little dance. 🕺 pic.twitter.com/AtZRro9Ylx
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 5, 2021
- Diogo Dalot: Since being reintegrated into the team by former interim manager Michael Carrick, the Portuguese right-back has been a revelation, his attacking instincts look to have benefitted Manchester United’s attacking play a lot and he looks to be a significant upgrade over £50 million signing Aaron Wan Bissaka. His lethal crossing is another weapon Manchester United could rely upon going forward, in his last two games the former Porto winger has looked defensively astute as well.
The Portuguese put up some amazing numbers against Crystal Palace:
- 9 successful long passes (11 attempted)
- 6 ball recoveries
- 3 successful tackles
- 2 successful crosses
Diogo Dalot’s game by numbers vs. Crystal Palace:
88% pass accuracy
11 attempted long passes
9 successful long passes
6 ball recoveries
4 attempted tackles
3 successful tackles
3 attempted crosses
2 successful crosses
1 interceptionImpressive once again. 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/UVWihzQJ9j
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 5, 2021
Manchester United: Check Out the Biggest “WINNERs & LOSERS” from Ralf Rangnick’s first game in charge of the Red Devils-
- Alex Telles: Signed in the Summer of 2020, the Brazilian defender came to Manchester United from Portugal with a big reputation- as one as of the best attacking left-backs in Europe. Despite his amazing performances for Porto, the former Galatasaray man wasn’t given a look into the starting eleven by former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, given Luke Shaw’s brilliant form up until the conclusion of the European Championships. Just like his fellow compatriot Diogo Dalot, Telles attacks much better than he defends and is an amazing crosser of the ball.
Playing in a high-pressing system alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho seems to have improved the Brazilian’s game, who seems to have returned to his best level:
- 104 touches
- 14 final third entries
- 14 penalty box entries
- 10 duels won
- 9 crosses
Fred’s game by numbers vs. Crystal Palace:
95 total touches
83% pass accuracy
16 total duels contested
10 total duels won
10 passes into the final 1/3
9 attempted tackles
7 successful tackles
7 ball recoveries
2 clearances
2 shots
1 goalOutstanding. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/1mfz7e7lIS
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 5, 2021
2. LOSERS:
Some players who enjoyed free run under former United manager Solskjaer, might not be happy with the arrival of Ralf Rangnick, as their place could be under jeopardy, given that the German would want to shake things up to get United back on track.
- Anthony Martial: After having a wonderful 2019/20 season, in which Martial scored a total of 17 goals and assisted a further 7 in the league, French international Antony Martial hasn’t had the best of time since then. The former Monaco man has fallen behind the likes of Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandez and Jadon Sancho.
Despite having a contract until 2024, Martial’s future looks uncertain.
- Luke Shaw: Manchester United’s left back is not having one of his best seasons, rather far from it. Currently injured, Shaw has also been criticized previously by Rangnick, who said he isn’t good enough to play for Manchester United. Alex Telles looks to have taken over the left back spot from Shaw.
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Manchester United’s first choice right back has had poor start to the season. Generally considered as a traditional full-back, English right-back Wan-Bissaka is known for his one-on-one defending and recovery pace. Bought for an amount close 50 million pounds, due to his inconsistent form, Wan-Bissaka has certainly not established himself as one pillars of this new Manchester United team, as he has a lot of attacking frailties.
Manchester United: Check Out the Biggest “WINNERs & LOSERS” from Ralf Rangnick’s first game in charge of the Red Devils-
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