Joshua Zirkzee scored a superb 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 2024/25.
In the first match of United’s 100th top-flight season, one of the club’s newest editions – wearing the Red Devils’ iconic No 11 shirt – proved decisive.
With Zirkzee, signed from Serie A side Bologna in July, having missed much of pre-season following his exploits with the Netherlands at UEFA EURO 2024 and not featuring in last week’s FA Community Shield, Ten Hag opted to push Fernandes into an unfamiliar striker role.
Also: Noussair Mazraoui vs Fulham Highlights | Premier League
Opportunities did fall Fernandes’ way, but the lack of composure he showed in those first-half chances – which were both teed up by Casemiro – belied a player featuring out of position.
And while it may have taken almost 30 minutes after he was introduced to turn the contest, Zirkzee showed just how much damage a clinical striker can do, even if there were some question marks over whether Scott McTominay may have got the final touch.
With Rasmus Hojlund out injured, there is no reason why Zirkzee cannot stake his claim to lead United’s line. He has made a fantastic start, while in defence, fellow debutant Mazraoui proved his quality with an assured display at right-back.
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