Debutant Joshua Zirkzee Fires Manchester United Past Fulham in Premier League Opener

• Joshua Zirkzee spared Manchester United blushes on the opening night of the Premier League season with a late winner at Old Trafford
• The hitman got off the mark with a scrappy finish and salvaged a largely uninspiring Premier League opener from Erik ten Hag's side
• The 23-year-old summer signing from Bologna was left on the bench with Erik Ten Hag opting for a line-up without a recognised striker

Debutant Joshua Zirkzee helped Manchester United kick off the new Premier League season with a win on Friday, August 16.

The Dutch forward rose off the bench to convert a wonderful goal in a 1-0 success against Fulham at Old Trafford.

The visitors nearly took an early lead when Kenny Tete was thwarted by Andre Onana, while Bernd Leno made two outstanding saves against Bruno Fernandes at the other end.

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Fernandes also struck the side netting, and Casemiro missed the target with three attempts, highlighting the hosts' frustrating finishing.

Leno continued to frustrate the Red Devils after the break, stopping Mason Mount and then making an easier save from Fernandes.

Just as it seemed a winner was slipping away, Zirkzee expertly angled Garnacho’s cross into the far corner, beyond Leno's desperate dive, to secure a dramatic late victory for United.

Opta reports that Zirkzee is the 15th Dutch player to score on his Premier League debut.

He is also the fourth to achieve this while at Manchester United, following Ruud van Nistelrooy, Alexander Büttner, and Donny van de Beek.

With only 12 touches since he came on in the 61st minute, Zirkzee was named Player of the Match.

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Erik ten Hag criticised by Man United fans

Legit.ng earlier reported that Manchester United's 2024/25 season began on a disappointing note with a defeat to Rosenborg, and manager Erik ten Hag has been bashed by the club’s fans for the defeat.

The Dutch manager, who featured five first-team regulars from last season, lost by a last-minute goal by Noah Holm.

Though it was only a friendly match, the result drew significant criticism from both Ten Hag and the fans, particularly since the Premier League team conceded more than 20 shots during the game.

Source: YEN.com.gh