December 5, 2021 Manchester United's Fred celebrates scoring their first goal with Mason Greenwood REUTERS

Brazilian midfielder Fred curled in a 77th-minute winner as Ralf Rangnick made a winning start as Manchester United's interim manager with a 1-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United had struggled to create clear chances against Patrick Vieira's well-drilled side but the oft-criticised Fred beat Vincente Guaita with a wonderful strike from the edge of the box after being set up by substitute Mason Greenwood.

Palace should have gone ahead minutes earlier but Jordan Ayew missed from point-blank range at the back post after James Tomkins had headed down a corner.

German Rangnick was leading United for the first time after taking over from caretaker manager Michael Carrrick on Friday.

United moved up to sixth place in the table on 24 points, three behind fourth-placed West Ham United. Palace slipped to 12th on 16 points.