Zirkzee proves to be the hero on United debut
Joshua Zirkzee scored a late winner on his Manchester United debut as the Red Devils claimed a 1-0 victory over Fulham in the first Premier League match of 2024-2025.
After recording its lowest-ever Premier League finish last season, United looked set to be frustrated at Old Trafford until its new striker diverted a deft finish past Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno in the 87th minute.
Introduced midway through the second half by Erik ten Hag, Zirkzee applied the crucial touch to fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho’s teasing centre to settle the contest.
Bruno Fernandes had earlier squandered United’s best chances, with Leno in excellent form for the visitors, making two saves from the Portuguese playmaker in swift succession.
Leno denied Mason Mount at the start of the second half, but Fulham was left to rue some missed openings at the other end when Zirkzee charged into the area to nudge home.
Alejandro Garnacho fluffed his lines when teed up by Marcus Rashford deep in second-half stoppage-time, but the miss did not prove costly as United secured a winning start to the new campaign.
Speaking of his start after the match, Zirkzee said it could not have gone better.
"It's the perfect one, no? In front of the Stretford End. And a win as well, it couldn't be any better," he said.
"It's been very good [since I arrived]. The group have been amazing, I feel very comfortable and at home here. I'm having a very good time.
"Of course it's a big club, but we just work hard every day and focus on what we want to achieve, and that's being the best we can be. At the moment I don't really feel any pressure.
"I look forward to working with everyone here. That includes all the staff. Everyone has been great.
"Of course having Ruud van Nistlerooy in the staff as a striker, you have to be grateful for that. Everyone has been great, it's a pleasure to be here."
After Zirkzee's winner, 22 players have now scored in their first Premier League appearance for United, with only Chelsea (27) and Aston Villa (26) having more debutant scorers in the competition's history.
His goal came from his only attempt on target.
"It was very important to get the first goal as a striker," manager Erik ten Hag said of his new man.
"For him it is very pleasing because strikers have to score. That is the first ability you have to show when you come as a striker to a new club."
