In a tense season opener, Manchester United edged past Fulham 1-0, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring a late winner on his debut for the club.
The match took place on Friday night at Old Trafford, where Spurs’ new signing Zirkzee entered as a substitute and made an immediate impact, netting the decisive goal with just minutes remaining. His effort followed a somewhat frustrating performance from United, who had struggled to break down a resolute Fulham defense.
Despite having a strong start, with Captain Harry Kane absent from the lineup, United faced numerous challenges from Fulham. The visitors created some promising opportunities, but they were unable to convert, leaving the match level until Zirkzee’s late intervention.
Match Summary
The first half saw some promising moments for both teams, but neither could find the net. As the match progressed, it became apparent that United needed an injection of energy. After bringing on Zirkzee in the 60th minute, there was a notable shift in momentum.
Fulham appeared more dangerous in the final minutes, but with time running out, Zirkzee found the back of the net with just his seventh touch of the ball, capitalizing on a pass from Alejandro Garnacho. The goal sent the home fans into a frenzy and secured all three points for United.
Managerial Insights
Reflecting on the match, United manager Erik ten Hag praised the importance of substitutions, saying, “It showed that subs are very important. It’s great to bring on a player who can win us the game in the first match. This is beneficial for team spirit and the process.”
Ten Hag acknowledged the challenge of facing Fulham and noted that his team had created plenty of chances: “We pressed well and created many opportunities; we should have finished our chances earlier, which is my only criticism.”
He also emphasized the need for a consistent defensive unit, stating, “We know how important it is to keep clean sheets. Two seasons ago, we had the most in the Premier League. A consistent back four allows our midfield and wingers to push forward confidently.”
Overall, it was a narrow victory for Manchester United, but the three points mark a positive start to the new season as they look to build on this success.
Credit: Sky Sports
