As Man Utd beat Fulham in Premier League opener, Zirkzee shines

On Friday, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee scored a late victory to overcome Fulham 1-0 in the Premier League opener. Zirkzee, who joined from Bologna for £36.5m ($47 million) last month, only played for 30 minutes due to match fitness issues. Dutch international spared Red Devils from miserable evening at Old Trafford by poking in Alejandro Garnacho’s cross on 87 minutes.

“To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better,” he remarked. Stretford End scoring is one of Manchester United’s nicest feels, I’ve heard. I’m lucky to have experienced that in my first game. It feels great.” United manager Erik ten Hag avoided last season’s Premier League seventh place by winning the FA Cup.

After a performance hauntingly similar to many previous season, that unexpected win against rivals and English champions Manchester City in May may be a springboard. “I have seen many spaces where we have to improve but that is normal,” he remarked. “It (the win) is good to strengthen the belief.” The Dutchman said on the eve of the game that his team was “not ready” for the new season due to injuries or match fitness issues, and it showed.

Bruno Fernandes began at centre-forward in Rasmus Hojlund’s absence, while Zirkzee was on the bench after returning to pre-season late after Euro 2024. Following his transfer from Bayern Munich this week, Noussair Mazraoui started at left-back. Despite appearing to reconcile with Ten Hag, Jadon Sancho was not selected. During a disastrous season for United, Fulham won at Old Trafford for the first time in 20 years in February. In the first 20 minutes, the visitors started comfortably as Andre Onana saved Kenny Tete’s dipping shot. United improved after a sluggish start.