Manchester United 1-0 Fulham. In a thrilling Premier League opener, Manchester United edged out Fulham 1-0, thanks to a dramatic 87th-minute winner from their £36m new signing, Joshua Zirkzee. The former Bologna striker made an immediate impact, securing the win with a composed finish that sent Old Trafford into jubilation.
The match, which unfolded in front of a notable crowd including co-chair Avie Glazer and new chief executive Omar Berrada, was a high-octane affair. Both teams came into the game with a sense of urgency, but it was Manchester United who ultimately emerged victorious in a game that had the feel of a high-stakes cup tie.
The game began with both sides testing each other’s defenses. Early on, Fulham’s Kenny Tete saw a chance thwarted by United’s new goalkeeper, Andre Onana, who tipped his effort over the bar. Despite a promising start for Fulham, it was Manchester United who began to assert their dominance as the game progressed. However, Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno proved to be a formidable obstacle.
Leno made a series of remarkable saves to keep his side in the game. Twice he denied United’s skipper Bruno Fernandes, the second save eliciting visible frustration from the Portuguese midfielder. He also thwarted Mason Mount after a precise cross from Marcus Rashford left Mount with only the goalkeeper to beat. Fernandes’ subsequent effort, curled towards the top corner, was again met by Leno’s quick reflexes.
As the clock ticked towards the final moments, Manchester United’s persistence finally paid off. After a period of sustained pressure and near-misses, Erik ten Hag’s tactical adjustments came to fruition. Zirkzee, who had come on with Alejandro Garnacho after an hour, played a pivotal role. Garnacho, showing his flair and vision, delivered a precise cross from the right wing. Zirkzee, with calm and composure befitting his price tag, steered the ball into the bottom corner, sealing the game with a decisive blow to Fulham’s hopes.
This victory not only marked a successful debut for Zirkzee but also highlighted the resilience and determination of a Manchester United side eager to make their mark this season. The goal made Zirkzee the 15th Dutchman to score on his Premier League debut, and notably, the fourth to do so for Manchester United, joining the ranks of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Alexander Buttner, and Donny van de Beek. Van Nistelrooy, now a coach at United, was present to witness Zirkzee’s impact, underscoring the significance of the moment.
United’s defense, particularly Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, was crucial in maintaining the slim advantage. Maguire’s commanding presence was vital in stifling Rodrigo Muniz’s attempts, while Martinez made an important clearance late in the match to ensure that Fulham could not capitalize on any final chances.
Diogo Dalot, reflecting on the match, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness despite earlier concerns. He clarified that Erik ten Hag’s comments about the team being “not ready” were taken out of context. The manager’s intention was to convey that the team was still adjusting after a varied pre-season, but the performance against Fulham demonstrated that United’s readiness and spirit were intact.
As Manchester United look ahead to the rest of the season, this hard-fought victory will serve as a confidence booster. With a blend of new talent and experienced campaigners, the Red Devils are poised to build on this promising start. The excitement and anticipation surrounding the team’s potential will only grow as they continue their pursuit of Premier League success. For now, the focus will be on celebrating Zirkzee’s debut heroics and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.