Joshua Zirkzee (file image)
Manchester United beat Fulham 1-0
By Valentine Amanze
Manchester United’s £36 million new striker, Joshua Zirkzee, on Friday night made his debut at Old Trafford memorable with an 87th minute strike, which gave the Red Devils all the three points against Fulham in the Premier League opener for the 2024/25 season.
The former Bologna forward came on with Alejandro Garnacho after an hour as Manchester United struggled to find a breakthrough against Marco Silva’s side, which defeated them 2-1 at Old Trafford on February.
And the pair combined in the nick of time as the Argentina winger crossed from the right and Zirkzee calmly steered the ball into the bottom corner in a hammer blow for Fulham.
After a slow start, during which Andre Onana tipped an early Kenny Tete effort over, it was United that had carried the greater threat.
But three times they were denied by superb saves from Fulham goalkeeper, Bernd Leno.
Twice United skipper Bruno Fernandes was repelled, the second stop bringing yells of frustration from the Portuguese midfielder.
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The third time it was Mason Mount who only had Leno to beat as Marcus Rashford crossed from the left.
In front of co-chair Avie Glazer, who was making a rare visit to this stadium, and new chief executive Omar Berrada, Fernandes curled another effort straight at Leno.
United were not to be denied though. Erik ten Hag might have said his side was not ready for the game. But they still managed to win it.
The euphoria that accompanied the final whistle was in keeping with the optimism that surrounded Manchester United in the build-up to the game.
Zirkzee took the acclaim in such a calm manner it was reminiscent of another Dutchman, who has returned to these parts, in Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is now a senior figure in Ten Hag’s coaching team.
As at Friday August 16, 2024, Manchester United are atop Premier League with three points pending the outcome of other matches at the weekend. valoa2000@yahoo.com
