A late goal by new signing Joshua Zirkzee earned Manchester United a nervy 1-0 victory over Fulham in their Premier League season opener at Old Trafford on Friday.
Zirkzee, lacking match fitness after his £36.5m ($47 million) move from Bologna last month, came on only for the final half hour. The Dutch international saved the Red Devils from a frustrating evening at Old Trafford when he poked 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,” said Zirkzee.
“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”, he added.
United boss Erik ten Hag survived at the end of last season, despite finishing eighth in the Premier League, thanks to winning the FA Cup.
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Whether that shock victory over rivals and English champions Manchester City in May could be a springboard remains to be seen after a performance that was eerily reminiscent of many last season.
“I have seen many spaces where we have to improve but that is normal. It is good to strengthen the belief”, said Ten Hag.
The Dutchman revealed on the eve of the game that his side were “not ready” for the new campaign with key players missing through injury or a lack of match fitness, and it showed.
Bruno Fernandes started in a centre-forward role in the absence of Rasmus Hojlund, while Zirkzee was on the bench after returning to pre-season late following Euro 2024.
Noussair Mazraoui was thrown straight into the starting line-up at left-back after joining from Bayern Munich this week.
But there was no place in the squad for Jadon Sancho even though the winger and Ten Hag appeared to have settled their differences.
Fulham won at Old Trafford last season for the first time in 20 years in February during a torrid campaign for United.
Little seemed to have changed in the opening 20 minutes as the visitors started confidently and Andre Onana did well to prevent Kenny Tete’s dipping effort finding the top corner.
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