New Delhi: The Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee scored a late goal on his Manchester United debut against Fulham at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday, August 17. His 87th-minute strike helped the Red Devils to beat Fulham by 1-0 in the opening game of the Premier League 2024/25 season.
It was not a commanding display from Erik Ten Hag’s side to kickstart the season but a winning goal from Zirkzee helped the team to keep a clean sheet. Manchester United signed the Dutch striker from Bologna for £36.5m ($47 million) last month and came off the bench for the final thirty minutes.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes started in a centre-forward role in the absence of Rasmus Hojlund. Noussair Mazraoui started the game as right-back after joining from Bayern Munich this week. Diogo Dalot was on the left side as Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia were still not fit to play.
Fulham secured a victory at Old Trafford last season for the first time in 20 years and were confident of doing the same in the new season. The visitors had the first opportunity in the 20th minute but Andre Onana denied Kenny Tete’s dipping effort finding the top corner.
Bruno missed two big chances earlier in the game with Fulham’s goalkeeper making important saves to keep his team in the match. He also denied Mason Mount in the second half.
The Red Devils dominated the most of match but struggled to score goals. Ten Hag brought Zirkzee and Garnacho off the bench in search of the winner which left United open. Andreas Pereira’s poor pass cost Alex Iwobi a clear chance to score the goal.
A few minutes later, Zirkzee netted Garnacho’s near-post pass into the far corner and the home side won all three points. After the match, the Dutch striker said he’s happy to score a goal on his debut.
When JZ found out why it’s called the Theatre of Dreams 😍🔊#MUFC pic.twitter.com/fF4GFt9yx3
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 16, 2024
“To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better. 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” Zirkzee said.
‘I can only put 20 players in the squad’: Ten Hag
After the match, Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hah said that he can only put 20 players in the squad and this season is the survival of the fittest. He also revealed that Jadon Sancho missed the game due to an ear infection and was not 100% fit for the match.
“First of all, we need squad depth. This season is the survival of the fittest but I can only put 20 players in the squad, I have to make choices. And Jadon in the week had an ear infection and was not 100% fit for this. He could play but if you can make choices, I made the choice that we preferred other players on the bench. That can change and will definitely change in the season where we have to rotate because we can’t play every game with the same. You see today how important subs are, we need the right bench and the right balance” Erik said.
Manchester United’s new signing Joshua Zirkzee scored a late goal for his club in the 87th minute and helped them to win the opening match of the Premier League against Fulham. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
