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Ralf Rangnick on his Manchester debut at Old Trafford
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Alex Livesey / Getty Images
Ralf Rangnick celebrated a victory for his debut as head coach at Manchester United.
The English soccer champions won 1-0 (0-0) against Crystal Palace on Sunday and improved to sixth place in the Premier League for the time being.
The Brazilian Fred crowned a largely convincing performance by the hosts in the 77th minute with the first goal of Rangnick's tenure.
The 63-year-old coach shook his fist with glee after his team had previously missed a few good opportunities.
Rangnick became the first German to win his first game on the sideline in the Premier League.
In doing so, he also beat the successful coaches Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea FC) and Jürgen Klopp (Liverpool FC).
The two had each seen zero numbers at their premieres.
Right from the start, the home side at Old Trafford had more of the game and already showed signs of Rangnick's game philosophy.
United put Palace under pressure early on, and at times did well with an accurate passing game.
The Rangnick-Elf could not keep up the high pace.
Fred's fine sweep gave the new trainer the success he had hoped for.
Rangnick was only officially presented to Manchester United on Friday.
He saw the 3-2 win against Arsenal on Thursday as a spectator in the stadium because he still lacked the necessary work permit.
On Monday the club announced that Rangnick will succeed the most recently hapless Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
He should lead the team until the end of the season.
Rangnick will then work as a consultant in the club for another two years.
Rangnick, who had coached RB Leipzig, FC Schalke 04 and Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga, most recently worked as a sports director at Lokomotiv Moscow.
The Russian first division team prematurely terminated the contract with Rangnick.
ara / dpa / sid