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Mason Greenwood scores stunner in draw

Mason Greenwood scored a spectacular goal as Manchester United drew 1-1 with Young Boys at Old Trafford in their Group F finale.

Despite Ralf Rangnick making 11 changes to the team that beat Crystal Palace last weekend, the Red Devils got off to a flying start as Greenwood volleyed stylishly inside the near post after Shaw had sent the ball into the middle.

However, the visitors equalised three minutes before half-time as Fabian Rieder pounced on a loose pass before bending a sweet strike into the top corner, leaving Dean Henderson with no chance.

The second half lacked the energy of the first, although Young Boys looked the more dangerous of the two sides, but they were ultimately unable to find a winner.

Greenwood gave United the lead in the ninth minute with a fabulous, acrobatic finish into the bottom-left corner from Shaw’s left-wing cross.

The hosts were lively throughout the first half and Greenwood burst down the left before pulling back for Juan Mata, but the Spaniard’s well-struck, deflected effort was kept out superbly by Guillaume Faivre.

But Young Boys drew level with a fantastic goal of their own through Rieder, who picked off a pass in the United third and curled a stunning strike from the edge of the box into the top-right corner.

The visitors then went close to taking the lead on the stroke of half-time as Michel Aebischer lashed a low shot across goal that Eric Bailly did well not to turn into his own net.

Young Boys pushed for a winner in the second half and had a glorious opportunity to put themselves ahead when Quentin Maceiras somehow fired wide after being found in space in the box by Silvan Hefti.

United came into the game guaranteed to finish first in the group, so Rangnick’s decision to change his entire starting XI for his second game in charge was not that much of a surprise. Whether this early experiment helps him find his best formula a successful second half of the season remains to be seen.

Young Boys required a victory to stand a chance of continuing their European campaign but could not find that crucial second goal.

Greenwood’s superb opening strike was his eighth goal in major European competition (excluding qualifiers) for United, the most of any player for the club before their 21st birthday, overtaking Marcus Rashford.

United have now failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last five Champions League group stage matches at Old Trafford, their longest run without a home shutout at this stage of the competition.

United face Norwich City at Carrow Road in Premier League action next on Saturday, while Young Boys host Sion in the Swiss Super League.

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FA CUP DRAW: GERRARD’S ASTONVILLA TO FACE MANCHESTER UNITED, HOLDERS LEICESTER HOST WATFORD

The FA Cup third-round draw was revealed on Monday, with Manchester United hosting Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa and title holders Leicester City welcoming former coach Claudio Ranieri and Watford among the more notable fixtures.

The matches to be played from Jan. 7-10, include teams from the Premier League and second-tier Championship. Replays will return to this season’s competition after being dropped for COVID-19 enforced reasons last term.

It will be Liverpool legend Gerrard’s first trip to Old Trafford since taking over as Villa manager.

Ranieri led Leicester to their improbable run to the Premier League title in 2015-16. Now manager at Watford, Raneiri and his side will visit the Foxes, who earned the Cup under Brendan Rodgers last May in a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Wembley.

West Ham United hosting Leeds United is the other tie featuring two Premier League teams.

Other notable matchups include Chelsea hosting non-league side Chesterfield, Shrewsbury Town visiting Anfield to take on Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur welcoming Morecambe, Arsenal traveling to Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City away to Swindon Town.

FA Cup third round draw in full:

Boreham Wood v AFC Wimbledon

Yeovil Town v Bournemouth

Stoke City v Leyton Orient

Swansea City v Southampton

Chelsea v Chesterfield Town

Liverpool v Shrewsbury Town

Cardiff City v Preston North End

Coventry City v Derby County

Burnley v Huddersfield Town

West Bromwich Albion v Brighton & Hove Albion

Kidderminster Harriers v Reading

Leicester City v Watford

Mansfield Town v Middlesbrough

Hartlepool United v Blackpool

Hull City v Everton

Bristol City v Fulham

Tottenham Hotspur v Morecambe

Millwall v Crystal Palace

Port Vale v Brentford

Swindon Town v Manchester City

Wigan Athletic v Blackburn Rovers

Luton Town v Harrogate Town

Birmingham City v Plymouth Argyle

Manchester United v Aston Villa

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Sheffield United

Newcastle United v Cambridge United

Barnsley v Ipswich Town or Barrow

Peterborough United v Bristol Rovers

West Ham United v Leeds United

Queens Park Rangers v Rotherham United

Charlton Athletic v Norwich City

Nottingham Forest v Arsenal

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RALF RANGNICK ERA STARTS WITH MAN UNITED VICTORY AGAINST CRYSTAL PALACE

The Ralf Rangnick era got off to a winning start as Fred fired Manchester United to a hard-fought victory against Crystal Palace.

Having watched Thursday’s 3-2 triumph against Arsenal from the stands, the 63-year-old interim manager was on the Old Trafford touchline for the first time when Patrick Vieira’s men came to town.

Rangnick’s reign – and first match as a manager in 925 days – began in victorious fashion on Sunday, when Fred proved the unlikely match-winner with a superb curling late effort that saw off Palace 1-0.

United’s third Premier League win in 10 matches also brought with it a first home clean sheet of the campaign on an afternoon when a superb start petered out, providing the German with plenty of food for thought.

The hosts began with impressive intensity and energy under their new boss, with Cristiano Ronaldo having a host of chances before their performance began to drift against hard-working Palace.

Alex Telles saw a free-kick skim the bar and Jordan Ayew went agonisingly close at the other end as United began to slip into familiar ways, only for Fred to produce a moment of magic to seal three points.

Rangnick stood in the technical area for the majority of his first match in charge. The German kept with the side that beat Arsenal but favoured a 4-2-2-2 formation as players pressed with more regularity and effectiveness.

That tweak, and the chance to impress Rangnick, saw the hosts start strongly, with Telles flashing an early shot wide before a Ronaldo cross-shot just evaded Bruno Fernandes.

David De Gea held onto a Wilfried Zaha snapshot on a rare Palace voyage forwards, before Ronaldo fired a free-kick over and then saw Marc Guehi recover well to get in a block on him after being found by Fernandes.

The 36-year-old star powered over a header from just inside the box and stung Vicente Guaita’s palms as United continued on the front foot.

James Tomkins blocked a goalbound Fred drive as sustained pressure continued.

Guaita stretched to tip away a low Fernandes effort, before Palace survived some penalty box pinball and a deflected Jadon Sancho effort looped just over.

But a break in play for treatment after Nathaniel Clyne’s foul on Fred allowed Palace to gather their thoughts and gain more control.

Ayew’s hopeful curling effort skipped just wide as the Eagles frustrated a United side that had settled into old patterns towards the end of the first half.

However, they had a big change in stoppage time as dogged play and good link up with Scott McTominay ended with Diogo Dalot flashing just across the face of goal.

It was an encouraging first half followed by a more cumbersome second period by United.

Cheikhou Kouyate saw a header blocked from a threatening set-piece from Conor Gallagher, who helped close down Marcus Rashford as the forward shaped to shoot.

Mason Greenwood replaced Sancho in a bid to inject new life into a performance that had become flat and somewhat sloppy.

An audacious free-kick nearly provided a 68th-minute opener. Guehi was booked for bringing down Rashford and Telles clipped the top of the crossbar from the resulting set-piece, which he hit well from an acute angle.

Greenwood swiped wide and Rangnick turned to Anthony Elanga to aid a performance that was now a far cry from the start of proceedings, with Palace going agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 75th minute.

Tomkins headed a fine corner to the far post, where Ayew could only direct across the face of goal from an acute angle.

It was a let-off punished in style three minutes later as Greenwood laid back to Fred, who curled a superb 20-yard effort beyond Guaita in front of the Stretford End.

The goal was met with a mixture of relief and joy by the Old Trafford faithful, who soon sung former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s name as well as that of ex-caretaker boss Michael Carrick.

Harry Maguire had to be bandaged up after a clash of heads and De Gea had to tip a threatening cross behind as Rangnick started his reign with victory.

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CRISTIANO RONALDO PASSES 800 CAREER GOALS AS MAN UTD DEFEAT ARSENAL

Cristiano Ronaldo reached 800 career goals as his brace secured Manchester United a much-needed victory against Arsenal as interim manager Ralf Rangnick saw his new side triumph from the stands.

A lot has changed at Old Trafford since their last home game 26 days ago, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer losing his job after that loss to Manchester City was compounded by a shocking defeat at Watford.

United coach Michael Carrick has steadied the ship during an unbeaten three-match caretaker stint that ended with an entertaining 3-2 victory against Arsenal at a bouncing Old Trafford.

It was only their second win in nine Premier League games and a timely shot in the arm ahead of Rangnick’s first game in charge against Crystal Palace this Sunday.

The German has signed a deal until the end of the season and Thursday’s match will have given him food for thought, having seen the quality and ongoing concerns first hand from the directors’ box.

Finding a way to keep clean sheets will be key if this season is to be a success for United, although there was little that could be done to prevent Emile Smith Rowe’s bizarre opener.

David De Gea was rolling around in pain when the Arsenal youngster struck, with the VAR instructing referee Martin Atkinson to award the goal as it was the Spaniard’s team-mate Fred that hurt the goalkeeper.

Bruno Fernandes, making his 100th United appearance, levelled before half-time, with Ronaldo turning home Marcus Rashford’s cross to bring up 800 goals for club and country early in the second half.

But Arsenal took just two minutes to bring this helter-skelter clash back level as Martin Odegaard found the net with a low finish – good work undone 16 minutes later by his rash challenge on Fred inside the box.

Atkinson awarded the penalty after the VAR advised he watch the pitchside monitor, with Ronaldo keeping his cool in front of the Stretford End to lash home what proved to be the winner.

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RONALDO DISMISSES “LIES” OVER BALLON D’OR

Football great and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo reacted to Pascal Ferre, editor-in-chief of the French magazine “France Football”, the founder of the Ballon d’Or, for calling him a “liar” after declaring last week that Ronaldo’s ambition is to win more golden balls than his historical rival Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo wrote on his Instagram account, “I would like to talk about the statements of Pascal Ferre, in which he said that my only ambition is to end my football career with more Golden Balls than Lionel Messi, and that’s a lie.”

Ronaldo continued, “Pascal Ferre has used my name to promote himself and the position in which he works. It is unacceptable that the person entrusted with awarding such a prestigious award should fall into absolute contempt for someone who has always respected French football and the Ballon d’Or. And he still lied today to justify my absence at the ceremony.”

Ronaldo said, “I congratulate those who win, support sport and the fair play that were the face of my career from the start, and I do it because I never oppose anyone, I always win for myself and for the clubs I represent, I win for myself and for those who want me big, I never win against anyone.”

Ronaldo also said, “The biggest ambition in my career, it is to win local and international titles for clubs that I represent as well as for my country.

“The biggest ambition of my career is to be a role model for anyone who wants to become professional players…

“The biggest ambition in my career is to leave my name written in golden letters in the history of world football.”

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MANCHESTER UNITED CONFIRM APPOINTMENT OF RALF RANGNICK

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as their new interim manager.

In an official statement on Monday, the club said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as Interim Manager until the end of the season, subject to work visa requirements.

“Following this period, Ralf and the club have agreed that he will continue in a consultancy role for a further two years.”

John Murtough, Manchester United Football Director, said:“Ralf is one of the most respected coaches and innovators in European football. He was our number one candidate for Interim Manager, reflecting the invaluable leadership and technical skills he will bring from almost four decades of experience in management and coaching. Everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him during the season ahead, and then for a further two years in his advisory role.”

Ralf Rangnick said: “I am excited to be joining Manchester United and focused on making this a successful season for the club. The squad is full of talent and has a great balance of youth and experience. All my efforts for the next six months will be on helping these players fulfil their potential, both individually and, most importantly, as a team. Beyond that I look forward to supporting the club’s longer-term goals on a consultancy basis.”

Michael Carrick will remain in charge of the first team until Ralf’s work visa is finalised.

The club said it wishes to place on record its thanks to Lokomotiv Moscow for their co-operation in the process of bringing Ralf to Manchester United.

It seems likely that Carrick will be in charge of the team for Thursday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford, meaning Rangnick could be in the dugout for the following game.

That match comes at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday and is a 2pm kick-off. The game won’t be shown live on TV in the UK.

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MICHAEL CARRICK TOLD MANCHESTER UNITED WON’T REPEAT SOLSKJAER “MISTAKE”

Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes have told Michael Carrick that Manchester United won’t repeat their Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘mistake’ and appoint him as permanent manager.

After coming under intense pressure before the November break, Solskjaer was finally handed his P45 on Sunday morning and Carrick took caretaker charge for the first time against Villarreal this afternoon.

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho marked the occasion with a 2-0 victory that also booked United their place in the Champions League knockout stages.

United remain keen to appoint Mauricio Pochettino and there is interest from both parties, despite the Argentine offering up a coy response when pressed by the media this afternoon.

Carrick started his temporary reign with a solid performance and result in Spain.

However, three years after Solskjaer found himself in a similar position – before ultimately replacing Jose Mourinho on a permanent basis – lightning won’t strike twice at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand said: “I don’t think they will give it to Michael. One thing for certain is that they are actively looking for somebody to be an interim to take us through until the end of the season, then they will look for someone else to come in at the end of the season.

“You’re looking at Laurent Blanc, someone who wouldn’t be full-time. Someone like Pochettino – when he was out of a job there was murmurs he wanted to come to Man United – and depending on how PSG see it we have to wait and see.

“Man United need to make enquiries [and] if they want a manager who’s in a job, those conversations will be going on now.”

Scholes added: “This is Manchester United, they have to have the best in charge!

“Michael Carrick is a coach, he’s had one game in charge with no experience anywhere else, he can’t [be full-time manager]. As much as I like the lad, they can’t appoint him, they need the very best as interim or full-time.”

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UCL: RONALDO, SANCHO ON TARGET AS UNITED START LIFE AFTER SOLSKJAER WITH A WIN AT VILLAREAL

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered yet another critical late Champions League goal before Jadon Sancho got his first in a Manchester United shirt to give caretaker manager Michael Carrick a 2-0 victory over Villarreal.

United were far from convincing against a side 12th in LaLiga, but where there is Ronaldo there is a way and his sixth Champions League goal of the season, 12 minutes from time, set them on course for victory.

The Portuguese then helped start a move capped by Sancho in the last minute of the 90, with the England forward crashing a shot off the underside of the bar to confirm United’s place in the knockout stages and ending the three-match winless run that cost Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his job.

Elsewhere United’s managerial search continued – Ernesto Valverde the latest candidate linked with the interim role as Mauricio Pochettino played down his interest in swapping Paris St Germain for Old Trafford – but here the focus was on Carrick.

The 40-year-old, who was integral to Solskjaer’s set-up and had said in Tuesday’s press conference that his ideas were similar to the Norwegian’s, made a major statement on the teamsheet with Donny van de Beek, starting only his third match of the season, selected ahead of Bruno Fernandes.

That was one of four changes – Alex Telles came in for Luke Shaw in an enforced move, while Anthony Martial and Fred came in for Nemanja Matic and Marcus Rashford.

United fans, high above the goal in Villarreal’s El Madrigal, sang Solskjaer’s name during a seven-minute delay to kick-off due to problems with the officials’ radio sets.

When play did get under way, Martial partnered Ronaldo in attack with Van de Beek at the tip of a diamond midfield, though United struggled to make much of an impression going forward.

Scott McTominay had an early chance from a free-kick, heading into the side-netting, but it was a familiar story of United looking too passive in midfield, and giving away possession too easily to offer Villarreal chances.

The best of them came in the 27th minute when Pino pulled the ball inside for Manu Trigueros, whose first-time shot was kept out by a strong hand from David De Gea.

Carrick, prowling the technical area, watched on as Ronaldo headed straight at Geronimo Rulli before firing a free-kick into the wall from a dangerous position.

But the better openings were at the other end. Arnaut Danjuma, an injury doubt before the match, fired wide after Aaron Wan- Bissaka lost possession.

It was De Gea to the rescue again just before the hour mark, with the goalkeeper denying Trigueros with a strong right hand after Danjuma’s shot was deflected into the midfielder’s path.

United were living dangerously, with Danjuma firing over after Wan-Bissaka allowed him too much space.

But Carrick’s double substitution of Van de Beek and Martial for Fernandes and Rashford changed the game, with United on the front foot thereafter.

Sancho brought a fine save from Rulli after cutting in from the right and exchanging passes with Ronaldo.

Moments later, United led, and this time Rulli needed to hold his hands up. The goalkeeper’s short pass played Etienne Capoue into trouble. Fred got a toe to the ball and Ronaldo did the rest with a lob over Rulli.

The Portuguese almost had another five minutes later, a short header back from Juan Foyth allowing him to nip in but he poked his shot just wide.

Villarreal were run ragged – Rashford shot straight at Rulli before Fernandes’ effort was deflected wide, and United inflicted the killer blow at the death.

Ronaldo started the counter in which Rashford and Fernandes switched play to the right, where Sancho fired home to leave the traveling fans chanting Carrick’s name.

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Manchester United and Chelsea eye knockout qualification

NYON, SWITZERLAND - July 22: A general view of the trophy ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2019/20 Third Qualifying Round draw at the UEFA headquarters, The House of European Football on July 22, 2019 in Nyon, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Chelsea and Manchester United fly the English flag on Tuesday with both clubs knowing victories will ensure progression.

Life after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer begins for United with a difficult trip to Villarreal in Group F.

The duo are level at the top but know that Atalanta will look to take advantage of whichever team drops points.

Donny van de Beek is one player who may find himself given a real chance at Old Trafford after Solskjaer’s reluctance to play him.

Our match preview focuses on the Dutchman and considers what he can bring to the Red Devils in the short term.

Chelsea can secure their spot in the knockout stages with victory over Group H leaders Juventus at Stamford Bridge.

Juve’s 100% record means they are assured of a spot in the last 16 but the Blues will want three points and the chance to top the group.

Christian Pulisic returned from his injury troubles with a goal at Leicester on Saturday and may be given a chance to shine against the Italian giants.

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MAN UNITED HOPING FOR NEW MANAGER BOUNCE AS MICHAEL CARRICK TAKES REIGNS AT OLD TRAFFORD

Michael Carrick takes charge of his first game as Manchester United’s caretaker boss with the club looking for a ‘new manager bounce’ after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Watford was the end of the road for the popular Solskjaer, leaving United with only three wins in their last 11 games and conceding goals at an alarming rate.

Here, we look at how United’s managers since Alex Ferguson’s retirement have fared in their early games.

The Norwegian was also appointed on a caretaker basis initially, succeeding Jose Mourinho in December 2018.

He quickly set about securing the job permanently, winning his first eight games in charge with 22 goals scored along the way – including an opening 5-1 win over Cardiff – in a welcome contrast to Mourinho’s defensive style.

While he failed to replicate that over the course of his near three-year reign, a similar initial impact from Carrick would be more than welcome.

Mourinho also started brightly, with four successive wins after arriving for the start of the 2016-17 season.

That run even included a trophy, courtesy of a 2-1 Community Shield win over Leicester in his opening game.

It quickly gave way to a three-game losing run, though, including a derby defeat to Manchester City, and he struggled to win over the fans during his two-and-a-half years in charge.