JOSHUA Zirkzee marked his Manchester United debut with a decisive late goal, leading his team to a 1-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League's opening match on Friday.
Zirkzee, who recently joined United from Bologna for £36.5 million, was introduced for the final half-hour of the game due to concerns over his match fitness.
The Dutch international found the net in the 87th minute, turning in Alejandro Garnacho's cross and ensuring a winning start for United at Old Trafford.
“To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better,” Zirkzee said. “I’ve been told scoring at the Stretford End is one of the best feelings at Manchester United. I’m so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It’s an amazing feeling.”
United's manager Erik ten Hag managed to retain his position at the end of last season by securing an FA Cup victory, despite the team finishing eighth in the Premier League. Whether that triumph over Manchester City will act as a catalyst for the new season remains uncertain after a performance reminiscent of last year.
“I have seen many spaces where we have to improve but that is normal,” Ten Hag commented. “It (the win) is good to strengthen the belief.”
Ten Hag had admitted before the match that his team was “not ready” for the new season, citing injuries and a lack of match fitness among key players. This was reflected in the match, with Bruno Fernandes starting as a centre-forward in Rasmus Hojlund’s absence and Zirkzee being benched after a late return from Euro 2024.
New signing Noussair Mazraoui was immediately placed in the starting lineup at left-back following his arrival from Bayern Munich, but there was no place in the squad for Jadon Sancho, despite his reported reconciliation with Ten Hag.
Fulham, who won at Old Trafford last season for the first time in 20 years, began the match confidently. Andre Onana was tested early on, making a crucial save to deny Kenny Tete’s effort from finding the top corner.
United began to find their rhythm after a slow start.
Twice, Fernandes missed significant chances, firing too close to Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Leno later denied Mason Mount from adding a rare goal since his move from Chelsea last year.
“We created a lot of chances and we should have scored earlier,” Ten Hag added. “That is the only criticism of the team: kill in the box!”
As United pressed for a winner, Ten Hag brought on Garnacho and Zirkzee from the bench. However, this left United vulnerable, and Fulham nearly capitalised, but Andreas Pereira’s misplaced pass prevented Alex Iwobi from having a clear shot at goal.
Lisandro Martinez then made a crucial clearance from Pereira’s dangerous cross, keeping United in the game.
In the end, it was United who secured all three points. Garnacho's cross from the right found Zirkzee, who managed to get a toe on the ball, sending it beyond Leno into the far corner.
United could have doubled their lead in stoppage time, but Garnacho missed an open goal after an unselfish pass from Marcus Rashford. Despite the missed opportunity, United held on for the win, giving Ten Hag the positive start he needed.
(With inputs from AFP)
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