⚽️ What a start to the Premier League season! Joshua Zirkzee announced himself in style at Old Trafford, coming off the bench to net an 87th-minute winner as Manchester United edged past Fulham 1-0 on Friday night.
The Dutch forward made an instant impact, poking home a cross from fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho. Talk about a dream debut! 😎
Zirkzee, who recently joined from Bologna for a reported $47 million, was one of three new signings making their United debuts, alongside defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt.
\"To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn't be better,\" Zirkzee beamed after the match.
The trio's arrival is part of a $180 million summer splash by the 20-time champions, aiming to reclaim their former glory under new leadership. Erik ten Hag, retained as manager despite last season's eighth-place finish, got off to a solid, if unspectacular, start.
\"It's just the first game, but it's good to strengthen the belief and confidence in the team,\" ten Hag said. \"I have seen the places where we need to improve. But that's normal in the first game of the season.\"
With Zirkzee not fully match-fit and Rasmus Hojlund sidelined due to injury, United began without a true striker, and it showed. Midfield maestros Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount missed key chances as the game seemed headed for a stalemate before Zirkzee's heroics.
Fulham's goalkeeper Bernd Leno was on fire, denying Fernandes twice in one-on-one situations and pulling off a sharp save against Mount in the second half.
But there was no stopping Zirkzee's close-range finish in front of the Stretford End. Garnacho nearly doubled the lead in stoppage time but sent his shot wide of an open goal.
\"That's the only criticism I have of the team,\" ten Hag commented. \"To kill. Kill in the box.\"
Mazraoui showcased his skills at right-back, impressing alongside Casemiro before being subbed off for de Ligt after 81 minutes. Not bad for a duo who just arrived from Bayern Munich three days prior! Zirkzee entered the fray in the 61st minute and made his mark.
The Premier League opening weekend continues with six more matches. Keep an eye out for Liverpool's debut under new manager Arne Slot against promoted Ipswich, and Arsenal hosting Wolverhampton.
Reigning champions Manchester City kick off their title defense against Chelsea on Sunday. Get ready for an epic season ahead! 🙌
Reference(s):
Manchester United get past Fulham 1-0 in Premier League season opener
cgtn.com
