Joshua Zirkzee hit a late winner on his Manchester United debut to seal a nervy 1-0 victory over Fulham in their Premier League opener. The win extended United’s record for most opening-day top-flight victories to 22, but it was anything but plain sailing for Erik ten Hag’s side.
There was a sense of cautious optimism rumbling around Old Trafford as new signings Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui were paraded in front of the fans before kick-off, but the team found it difficult to create an opening—André Onana having to make a vital stop inside the first five minutes, palming away a long-range effort from Kenny Tete.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were the architects of United’s attacks, but Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno stood in the way with some excellent blocks from distance and, at close range, from Fernandes. Yes, United controlled the ball, but their insecurities at the back were evident: Fulham could have scored at least twice on the break, a vital goal-line clearance made by Lisandro Martínez.
Zirkzee was brought on a little after the hour and made a difference in the 87th minute, producing an instinctive finish to Alejandro Garnacho’s cross. One of the few class acts in an otherwise dreadful attacking display by United. Fulham, under Marco Silva, could quite easily have gone away from Old Trafford with a share of the spoils, having fashioned several clear-cut openings themselves.
There was a good opportunity to double their lead in stoppage time, where Garnacho missed a clear opportunity, reflecting the fact that the team still needs to make a lot of improvement if it is to be considered a serious title contender in the current season. Even so, ten Hag’s team will correct, as the season wears on, both attacking inefficiencies and defensive frailties.
