Manashimaya
MANCHESTER, England — There’s nothing quite like a late winner from a new striker to ignite early-season optimism, and Joshua Zirkzee has done just that for Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag. The Red Devils were on the brink of a frustrating start to the season after squandering several chances, but Zirkzee, a £36.5 million summer signing from Bologna, stepped up to secure a vital 1-0 win over Fulham with an 87th-minute debut goal.
The excitement at Old Trafford was palpable, with Zirkzee’s composed celebration contrasting Ten Hag’s fist-pumping reaction on the touchline—a clear display of joy and relief. Following a challenging 2023-24 season, Ten Hag was eager to show that things would be different this time around. Thanks to Zirkzee’s timely intervention, the United boss now has plenty of positives to discuss.
“It is very good for a striker to come in and score his first goal,” Ten Hag said post-match. “The win is very pleasing. To start the season with a win is always important. We are not ready as a squad, as a team, many players are not up to full fitness. We only had 10 days with this team training together.”
Zirkzee’s goal was the decisive moment, but it doesn’t mask all of United’s lingering issues. For the majority of the game, Zirkzee was on the bench while Bruno Fernandes operated as a false No. 9. Despite several opportunities, United struggled to find the back of the net. Twice in the first half, Fernandes came close, but Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno was up to the task. United’s attacking woes, evident last season when they were among the Premier League’s lowest scorers in the top 10, appeared to be resurfacing.
Ten Hag acknowledged this after the match, noting that United must improve their composure in front of goal. “I think one space we have to fill is to kill in the box,” Ten Hag stated. “We create enough chances to not have to wait for a late winner. We have to be more composed and kill.”
Zirkzee Sparks Optimism for Man United’s 2024-25 Campaign, but there are still areas needing improvement. The absence of Rasmus Højlund, out with a hamstring injury, has been keenly felt. However, Zirkzee’s performance offers hope. The Dutch striker, who scored 11 goals in Serie A last season, immediately provided United with a focal point in attack upon his introduction.
When the goal finally came, it was Zirkzee who initiated the move by dropping deep, receiving the ball, and passing it out wide. Alejandro Garnacho’s cross was met by Zirkzee, who slotted it past Leno, sending the Old Trafford crowd into raptures. It was a classic striker’s goal, reminiscent of those scored by United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Aside from Zirkzee’s heroics, there were other positives for United. The team secured their first clean sheet at home since March, with new signing Noussair Mazraoui impressing at right-back.
Zirkzee’s impact on the match cannot be overstated. “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,” Ten Hag commented.
The fresh start at Old Trafford, with a new co-owner in Sir Jim Ratcliffe and new executives, is adding to the optimism around the club. But as Ten Hag knows well, only consistent positive results will sustain it. Zirkzee has certainly delivered the first one, sparking optimism for what could be a promising 2024-25 campaign for Manchester United.
