Manchester United’s new interim manager Ralf Rangnick faced the press on Friday morning for the first time since taking the helm at Old Trafford. The 63-year-old has agreed a deal to oversee the team until the end of the season before taking on a consultancy role behind-the-scenes.
Rangnick was in the director's box on Thursday evening as he watched his new side dispatch Arsenal 3-2 in the Premier League.
United were forced to overcome an early deficit as Emile Smith Rowe opened the scoring in controversial fashion as he fired the ball into the back of the net while David de Gea was lying on the ground with his back to goal.
Referee Martin Atkinson consulted VAR, which confirmed De Gea had clashed with his own team-mate Fred, and the goal was allowed to stand.
Bruno Fernandes drew his side level just ahead of the interval, before Cristiano Ronaldo gave the hosts the lead early in the second period.
Martin Odegaard levelled for Arsenal but the Red Devils claimed all three points as Ronaldo notched from the penalty spot with 20 minutes remaining.
Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo was lauded by Ralf Rangnick on Friday (Image: GETTY)
Ronaldo illustrated his quality throughout the encounter and took his goals well as United grabbed only their second Premier League win from their last nine encounters.
The Portugal forward has now scored 12 goals in 17 appearances since returning to Manchester for a second spell at the club.
And following Thursday’s match, United hero Paul Scholes was quick to extol the player.
“It’s a really good win for Man Utd – I don’t think we saw anything different from them but a win’s a win,” Scholes told Premier League Productions.
“Now you see why Cristiano has to play – if he gets chances, he’ll score goals. He looked like he was on a mission to score.”
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