Man United Squeeze Past Fulham 1-0 In Premiership Opener

€42.5m Dutch striker, Zirkzee to the rescue

***Zirkzee scores on his debut as United pip Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford***

Newly signed Dutch forward, Joshua Zirkzee came to the party as the match-winner for Manchester United in their 1-0 victory over Fulham on the opening day of the 2024/25 season.

The €42.5 million (£36m/$46m) striker bought from the Italian side, Bologna, enjoyed a dream debut that salvaged a largely uninspiring Premier League opener from Erik ten Hag’s side

The Dutchman, who was paraded before fans at Old Trafford before kick-off along with fellow new arrivals Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, stole the show with a scrappy but lethal late finish in about the 87th minute of play.

It wasn’t a classic performance but one could easily make a case for both teams as the momentum shifted back and forth, with plenty of chances created but not utilised. The Old Trafford Landlords created some fine moves in the first half, with Casemiro at the helm and playing like a No. 10.

Though the Brazilian had five shots in the first half without hitting the target, the clearest chances fell to Bruno Fernandes and twice his efforts were thwarted by Bernd Leno in goal for Fulham.

United kept pushing for a goal and finally got one when substitute Alejandro Garnacho crossed for Zirkzee, who scuffed the ball into the net in front of the Stretford End. Garnacho should have added a second but missed the target with the goal gaping.

Though the Red Devils found a way near the end, as they so often did during their long period of Premier League dominance, their ardent fans are wondering if this in any way indicates that Erik ten Hag is slowly bringing back the glory days.

United have three points in the bag, courtesy of their new Dutch striking hero, which is not the worst way to start the season. But for pundits, come another 37 games this season, the boys will certainly be separated from the men

Meanwhile, Zirkzee in a post-match interview said he felt “blessed” after his debut appearance, adding; “To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better”.

He told Sky Sports; “I’ve been told [scoring at the Stretford End] is one of the best feelings at Man United. I’m so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It’s an amazing feeling. At the end of the day, we got the win, that’s all we wanted.

“I can’t really explain the feeling, it’s just very nice. I feel very warm here. It’s a great team. We want to achieve something great. It’s been amazing, it’s been a dream actually.

“The manager told me to bring an energy and help the team as much as possible, just that. Manchester United is a huge club. You should always strive for the best. That includes day-by-day giving 100 percent, that’s the plan. It’s all good vibes.”

No doubt, Manager Ten Hag and his United players will feel a significant boost after opening their Premier League campaign with three points. Next on the card is to commence preparations for their next game against Brighton on Saturday, August 24.