Manchester United Get Off to Winning Start Against Fulham with Joshua Zirkzee’s Late Goal.

Manchester United Get Off to Winning Start Against Fulham with Joshua Zirkzee’s Late Goal.

Manchester United kicked off their Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford, thanks to a late goal from debutant Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch striker came off the bench to score the winner in the 87th minute, securing three points for Erik ten Hag’s side.

The game was a fairly dull encounter, with both sides creating few chances in the first half. United’s best opportunity came through Bruno Fernandes, who was twice thwarted by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The second half saw United push for a goal, and they finally got one when substitute Alejandro Garnacho crossed for Zirkzee, who scuffed the ball into the net in front of the Stretford End.

New-look United Find Their Rhythm

Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham in their Premier League opener, courtesy of a late strike from summer signing Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman’s debut goal proved to be the difference between the two sides, as United navigated a tense encounter at Old Trafford.

Defensive Solidity and Creative Struggles

While the clean sheet will be a welcome boost for United, there were clear areas for improvement in the attacking third. Despite dominating possession, the Red Devils struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Bruno Fernandes particularly wasteful in front of goal.

The defensive line, featuring the impressive Noussair Mazraoui and a commanding Harry Maguire, showed resilience and organization, but the overall performance lacked fluency and creativity.

Joshua Zirkzee: The Hero of the Night

Zirkzee was the hero of the night, scoring the winner on his debut. The Dutch striker came off the bench and linked up well with the attack, delivering the winning touch. His finish was scrappy, but it was enough to secure the three points for United.

The introduction of Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho injected fresh impetus into United’s attack. The Dutchman’s clinical finish highlighted his potential as a valuable squad member.

Joshua Zirkzee

Erik ten Hag’s Reaction

Ten Hag was pleased with the win but acknowledged that there is still room for improvement. “We have to work with him, and he has to arrive in the box to finish,” he said of Zirkzee. “We want him to link up with the team and so that’s why we bought him.”

Player Ratings

The player ratings were mixed, with some players impressing while others struggled. Andre Onana was solid in goal, while Noussair Mazraoui had a decent debut at right-back. Harry Maguire was sharp and made a vital block to prevent a Fulham counter, while Lisandro Martinez provided a lethal ball from deep to Fernandes.

Andre Onana (7/10):

Was alert early on to deny Kenny Tete’s speculative effort in the first half and was faultless with his handling of the ball.

Noussair Mazraoui (7/10):

Started at right back and made an important intervention from Adama Traore’s cross. Bright all night. An auspicious start to his United career.

Harry Maguire (7/10):

Dominant in aerial duels but marred his first half with a deserved booking for diving. Did well against Rodrigo Muniz after he dominated United at Old Trafford last season.

Lisandro Martinez (7/10):

Traore got the better of him in their first duel, but Martinez was the winner second time around. Played some uncharacteristically sloppy passes.

Diogo Dalot (5/10):

Back at left back to accommodate Mazraoui and he was too quiet going forward all night. A humdrum performance.

Casemiro (5/10):

Waned in the first 20 minutes but rallied and created two great chances for Bruno Fernandes. Defensively still so gettable, though.

Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):

Knitted the play together and saw a shot go wide but not at his optimum, having returned for pre-season last week.

Amad (6/10):

Embarked on a charge into the penalty area that brought fans to their feet. Not involved as much after half-time and was predictably substituted.

Mason Mount (5/10):

Good off the ball but poor on it. Much of the game was played around the playmaker. Should have scored in the 53rd minute from close range.

Marcus Rashford (6/10):

Got on the ball plenty in the first half without threatening. Inadvertently played in Mount, who failed to convert from close range.

Bruno Fernandes (6/10):

Squandered two superb first-half chances by hitting the ball straight at Bernd Leno. Then attempted to atone but often ceded possession. Salvaged performance with role in goal.

Subs & Manager

Joshua Zirkzee (8/10):

Linked up well with the attack and delivered the winning touch.

Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):

His runs in behind provided some late spark. Set up the goal but loses a mark for his dreadful miss.

Jonny Evans (N/A):

Brought on in the 80th minute and made a couple of important headers.

Matthijs de Ligt (N/A):

Made his debut in the 80th minute.

Scott McTominay (N/A):

Helped cause the chaos in the area which Zirkzee pounced on.

Erik ten Hag (6/10):

The team were more solid than last season and his changes got the all-important first win.

 

What do you think about Manchester United win over Fulham? Who do you think stand out the most? (Below is the comment Section, we would like to know your view).

 

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