First game, first win: Ralf Rangnick, as the new Manchester United manager, can celebrate right away – if only from the stands. United beat Arsenal thanks to Ronaldo’s double.
In front of new coach Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United achieved an important home win in the Premier League. The Premier League champions beat Arsenal 3:2 (1:1) after a deficit Thursday night. Rangnick, who is due to be officially presented at a press conference on Friday, watched the competitive and entertaining match from the stands at Old Trafford and made some observations. In seventh place in the table, Team ManUnited is still 12 points behind the leader.
Premiere as United coach: Ralf Rangnick (right) sees victory from the stands. (Source: Phil Noble/Reuters)
The Portuguese Bruno Fernandes (44th minute) and Cristiano Ronaldo (52/70 penalty kick) scored in front of their fans a narrow victory for the Red Devils, who were trained again by assistant coach Michael Carrick. Arsenal took the lead first through Emile Smith Rowe (13th place). Martin Odegaard (54) scored a goal to make up for the guests from London.
Ronaldo broke the sound barrier in his next career with his 800 and 801 goals in official matches. No player has scored 800 goals before him. Pele scored 765 goals, and Lionel Messi has 756 goals so far.
Smith Roe’s goal came in a strange way. United Pro Fred kicked teammate and goalkeeper David de Gea by mistake in a corner kick for Arsenal. De Gea descended from pain. After the ball was first cleared by Harry Maguire, Smith Rowe shot it into De Gea’s empty net. After watching the video evidence, the referee gave the blow.
Rangnick was given the work permit needed to run as a temporary coach on Thursday, ManUnited announced. However, it came too late for the match against Arsenal. Rangnick, who will manage the team until the summer and then serve as a consultant for two years, will now make his debut on the sidelines on Sunday in the second leg against Crystal Palace.