Manchester United secured a thrilling 1-0 victory against Fulham in their opening match of the Premier League season, thanks to a late winner from debutant Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch striker, who recently joined the Red Devils from Bologna for a hefty sum of £36.5 million, made an instant impact by scoring the decisive goal at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee, who came on as a substitute in the final half hour, capitalized on Alejandro Garnacho’s cross to poke the ball past the Fulham goalkeeper on the 87th minute. His goal not only sealed the victory for Manchester United but also earned him the adoration of the fans at the Stretford End.
Speaking after the match, Zirkzee expressed his joy at scoring on his debut and acknowledged the special feeling of finding the back of the net at Old Trafford. The win was a much-needed boost for United manager Erik ten Hag, who faced scrutiny after a disappointing season last year.
Despite the victory, Ten Hag highlighted the areas where the team needs improvement, emphasizing the need to be more clinical in front of goal. He admitted that there is still work to be done to reach the desired level of performance, especially with key players missing due to injury or lack of match fitness.
The match against Fulham showcased United’s resilience and determination, with the team fighting till the end to secure the win. The introduction of Zirkzee and Garnacho from the bench proved to be a masterstroke by Ten Hag, as they provided the cutting edge needed to break the deadlock.
As the new season progresses, Manchester United will be looking to build on this positive start and improve their overall performance on the pitch. With Zirkzee’s impactful debut and the team’s collective effort, there are promising signs for the Red Devils as they aim to compete at the highest level in the Premier League.
