Rangnick starts Man Utd reign with win as Spurs stroll

Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Fred celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on 5 December, 2021AFP

Manchester United started the Ralf Rangnick era with a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Sunday as Tottenham crushed Norwich 3-0 to extend their recent revival under Antonio Conte.

Leeds struck late to draw 2-2 with Brentford as new Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard prepared to lock horns with his former boss at Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers, in the late match against Leicester.

Rangnick, taking the reins for the first time, named an unchanged side at Old Trafford after United beat Arsenal 3-2 in midweek and was rewarded with a high-energy performance in the first half, backed by a vocal crowd.

Cristiano Ronaldo had the hosts' best chances as Palace initially struggled to get a foothold but the game remained goalless at half-time.

United's performance levels dipped in the second period and Rangnick threw on Mason Greenwood and Anthony Elanga for Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford to inject fresh energy into his attack.

Manchester United German Interim head coach Ralf Rangnick (L) brings on Manchester United's English striker Mason Greenwood (R) as a substitute during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on 5 December, 2021
AFP

But it was often-maligned Brazil midfielder Fred who broke the deadlock, curling home a superb strike past Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita from outside the box after a pass from Greenwood.

The three points lifts United to sixth place in the table, three points behind fourth-placed West Ham.

Spurs stroll

Spurs are one point ahead of United with a game in hand after cruising to a 3-0 win against bottom side Norwich -- their third straight victory in the Premier League.

Lucas Moura opened the scoring in the 10th minute. After a nice piece of skill to round a Norwich defender, he played a one-two with Son Heung-min, turned his marker and thundered an unstoppable drive into the top corner from 20 yards.

Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean striker Son Heung-Min celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on 5 December, 2021
AFP

Tottenham doubled their lead midway through the second half when Davinson Sanchez smashed home a loose ball from a corner.