Two of Solskjaer’s key stars tipped for bench roles under Rangnick after winning Man United start

The performances of full-back pair Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles in Manchester United’s win over Crystal Palace this afternoon have resulted in mounting suggestions that both could be set for permanent starting berths moving forward.

Fred makes the difference

A new era on the red half of Manchester was of course kicked into full gear a short time ago.

On the back of a timely upturn in form since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal, the Red Devils welcomed the aforementioned Palace to Old Trafford, eyeing a 3rd win in four.

Making the occasion an even more noteworthy one, though, was the fact that it marked the first under the watch of Ralf Rangnick, the man to have replaced Solskjaer in the dugout for the remainder of the campaign.

And, when all was said and done on Sunday, the Rangnick era was kicked off to an altogether positive start.

Though only a solitary goal separated the sides upon the final whistle sounding at the Theatre of Dreams, United, for the first time in some time, looked fully in control of proceedings throughout the majority of the 90 minutes.

The eventual winner, meanwhile, came courtesy of an altogether surprise source, as Fred, looking revitalised over his last couple of outings, bent home a pinpoint right-footed finish from 20 yards:

What. A. Hit.

Fred delivered the goods for Rangnick’s United ☄️

(via @NBCSportsSoccer)pic.twitter.com/HxV0BSFWcA

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 5, 2021

Full-back shake-up?

As alluded to above, though, whilst it was Fred who proved match-winner on the day, it was the respective performances of two other members of their side’s starting XI which in fact piqued the attentions of many of a Man United persuasion.

The players in question? Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles.

Full-back pair Dalot and Telles were handed respective berths on the right and left of Ralf Rangnick’s backline versus Palace.

This came after Aaron Wan-Bissaka was forced to sit out the club’s meeting with Arsenal in midweek, with Luke Shaw still sidelined owing to a head injury.

If the ensuing displays of those to have come in on the flanks on Sunday are anything to go by, however, then the first-choice status of Wan-Bissaka and Shaw, both viewed as automatic starters under the watch of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, may well be under threat.

This is certainly the opinion of many of a Red Devils persuasion, anyway, amid suggestions that the attacking prowess possessed by Dalot and Telles, on full display up against Palace, could yet see the pair handed permanent berths in the Manchester United backline:

Dalot and Telles 👌🏼

Don’t wanna see Wan Bissaka or Shaw anywhere near this team for quite some time #MUFC

— John Gorman (@ormo5000) December 5, 2021

I’ve always preferred Dalot and Telles to AWB and Shaw. The pair offer much much more to the team than the odd tackle.

— Ifeabunike Chukwudi (@Ifeabunike) December 5, 2021

Shaw and Bissaka’s position are under threat. Dalot and Telles will thrive in this system playing as high attacking fullbacks who can cross. Ralf Rangnicks Reds!! 🔴🔴🔴

— 6’6” (@savage_tkloe) December 5, 2021

Wan Bissaka AND Shaw are going to struggle to get back in if Dalot and Telles keep up this good form

— Adam O H (@ptadamoh) December 5, 2021

Predicting players that’ll get dropped by Rangnick

Mctominay
AWB
Shaw

For starters.

— Jordan (@Jordan_dbe) December 5, 2021

Love Wan Bissaka and Shaw but Dalot and Telles offers so much more going forward #MUFC #GGMU

— Kimani (@JohnnieChrome) December 5, 2021

Telles and Dalot should be first choice easily

Shaw Is eating so bad and isn’t that good anymore

Bissaka is just atrocious

Telles and Dalot will improve game by game

— Elite Analysis (@7Eliteanalysis) December 5, 2021

Dalot and telles should be undroppable !! They have been quality the last few weeks imo 🙌🏻🙌🏻

— Ryan Davidson (@Ryandavidson94) December 5, 2021

They might have benched AWB and Shaw
Telles and Dalot take a bow pic.twitter.com/FndA0oq7ig

— Corecion 🔴 (@mufc_Corecion) December 5, 2021

Great start to the Rangnick era. Finally a team with an actual game plan. Dalot and Telles have been fantastic, AWB and shaw are going to be lucky to get back into the team. Onto Wednesday now!

— Guy Martin (@GuyMartin4) December 5, 2021

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A Fred revival & 5 things we learned from Ralf Rangnick’s first game as Manchester United manager

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This article was edited by
Josh Barker.