Manchester United vs Fulham LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after Zirkzee marks debut with winner
Manchester United 1-0 Fulham: The Dutch debutant popped up late on to snatch victory
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Joshua Zirkzee struck late on as the Dutch striker’s debut goal handed Manchester United a narrow victory over Fulham in the opening game of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
The hosts had toiled for long periods at Old Trafford having been unable to beat Bernd Leno in a first-half flurry of chances, and it was the visitors who looked the likelier side to break the deadlock in the second half. But Zirkzee, on as a second half substitute after a summer switch from Bologna, produced a moment of quality on his full debut, deftly opening up his foot to divert a cross into the corner and pinch the points.
It meant a solid start to the new season for Erik ten Hag, backed in the summer by the club’s hierarchy despite an up-and-down campaign last time around. The Dutchman handed a starting debut to new addition Noussair Mazraoui and also utilised Matthijs de Ligt from the bench, though a scratchy performance at both ends of the pitch may be reason for concern.
Fulham, meanwhile, were bright enough, and will feel disappointed not to have truly tested Andre Onana more regularly, allowing Zirkzee to pop up with the winner as the new season got underway.
Re-live all the action from Old Trafford with our live blog below:
Joshua Zirkzee’s winner shows there could be a new dimension to Manchester United this season
It is, apparently, not how you start but how you finish. Joshua Zirkzee started his Manchester United career with a telling finish that bodes well for the rest of it. He began his debut on the bench and ended it the match-winner. Old Trafford may have a new goalscoring hero and if the evidence of their opening night was that Erik ten Hag’s side needed one, a newcomer obliged.
The United manager stands accused of signing too many of his fellow Dutchmen. For a £42m buy, however, it amounted to an ideal beginning, a veritable theatre of a dream debut. Even in helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League last season, Zirkzee was not prolific. Yet it only took 26 minutes for him to open his United account with a goal that showed he can be both finisher, but also much more than a penalty-box poacher.
Zirkzee’s winner shows there could be a new dimension to Man United this season
Manchester United 1-0 Fulham: Joshua Zirkzee scored the only goal of the game to secure victory for Manchester United over Fulham
And here’s Erik ten Hag...
“Subs are always very important,” the Manchester United manager says of Joshua Zirkzee’s impact to Sky Sports. “It was good to see in the first game that you bring on a sub and he scores the winner. That’s good for the team process and the spirit in the group. Everyone sees that they have to be ready.
“Against Fulham, it is always a difficult game. They are good on the ball, but we pressed very well. We kept them under pressure, which was good, and we created a lot of chances. We should have scored earlier - that’s the only criticism I have of the team, we need to kill in the box.
“Two seasons ago, we had the most clean sheets in the Premier League, and I know when we have a consistent back four, we will defend properly. It is so important to have a high line so that the midfielders can go forward. If you don’t have a consistent back four, no patterns or routine, then the gaps come.”
Joshua Zirkzee speaks to Sky Sports after his match-winning debut
“To win here in my first home game and grab a goal, it couldn’t be better. I’ve been told that it is one of the best feelings at Manchester United, so I’m thankful and blessed that I could experience it in my first game. It is an amazing feeling.
“At the end of the day, we got the win, and that’s all we wanted and what the fans deserve. I can’t explain this feeling, it’s just really nice. The squad have been very nice, I feel very warm here. It’s a great team and we want to achieve something great. It’s been a dream, but I’m going to take it day-by-day and work hard.
“The manager told me to bring my energy and help the team as much as possible. Manchester United is a huge club so we should always strive for the best. That’s the plan.”
FT: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham
Fulham will be frustrated not to have tested Andre Onana more frequently, though there was enough in there to encourage Marco Silva, who has promised that his side are far from done in the transfer market as he seeks additions to his squad.
FT: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham
Erik ten Hag stomps around the Old Trafford pitch slapping hands with the look of a man who knows his side got a little lucky tonight. Fulham had the better of large periods in that second half and looked the likelier side to break the deadlock, but up popped Joshua Zirkzee with a debut goal to pinch the points late on.
FULL TIME! Manchester United 1-0 Fulham
Manchester United 1-0 Fulham, 90 + 3 minutes
A minute more to come at Old Trafford. Lisandro Martinez takes his time over a throw, as well he might.
How have Manchester United squandered that chance? Calvin Bassey completely miskicks to let Marcus Rashford in the front door, and Alejandro Garnacho seems to simply have to sweep home as Rashford squares it. But the pass forces Garnacho to check, and he makes a total hash of his effort with goal agape!
But it will matter not...
Manchester United 1-0 Fulham, 90 + 2 minutes
Joshua Zirkzee wins the ball back in the centre circle, his goal looking like it should be enough. Manchester United go hunting for a second to seal it but Issa Diop is there to deny Alejandro Garnacho.
Manchester United 1-0 Fulham, 90 minutes
Four more minutes to be played. Manchester United concede a free kick in the right corner but have the big bodies on the park to clear it.
Sasa Lukic and Andreas Pereira are replaced by Harrison Reed and Jay Stansfield.
GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 Fulham (Joshua Zirkzee, 87 minutes)
Joshua Zirkzee finds an opener on Premier League debut!
A huge moment for Manchester United’s new striker! He’s involved in the build-up, dropping deep to create an option and then sending a couple of teammates on up the right. Into the box he drifts, not, perhaps, expecting the cross to find him in a slightly withdrawn position but having the presence of mind to open his left boot as it comes towards him.
His diversion beats Bernd Leno to his right as a crowd growing restless find late life. Manchester United lead!
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