Instant Stretford End Hero Joshua Zirkee Gave Manchester United a 1-0 win over Fulham

The new Premier League season (2024/2025) kicked off with a mouthwatering affair at Old Trafford, which saw Fulham tussling up with the Red Devils for the second time in 20 years in an opening campaign fixture. A new kid on the block, Joshua Zirkzee, gave Man-United a narrow 1-0 win over a spirited Fulham. A few fans might be worried and wonder if lightning will strike the same place twice. Manchester United registered a similar scoreline to their opening match last season over Wolves and recorded their lowest Premier League finish of eighth place the previous term. Erik Ten Hag and his troops were looking for a more convincing victory, but the Dutch manager said he was comfortable with the win and was quick to point out several positives he saw In the game.  

Before the game, Erik Ten Hag claimed his side was "not ready" for the season to start, but the Red Devils lost only one of their last 13 league games played on a Friday. Meanwhile, Fulham, on the other hand, is ready to return in their fourth successive season in the top flight, where they finished 13th last term. Marco Silva has now lost his first opening game of a Premier League campaign, and the Cottagers have now been beaten in three of their last nine such matches.  

United became the first side in Premier League history to begin eight successive seasons with a home game. They settled into this contest very early and dictated the game, owning the lion’s share of possession in the first 45. However, it was the Cottagers who had the best chance in the first quarter of an hour when Tete led the charge and tried his luck from a good 30 yards out. His ambitious attempt dipped dangerously towards the top-left corner, but Onana just about managed to tip it away. Manchester United responded on the stroke of the half-hour mark with Fernandes, who capitalized on Leno’s error. Still, the skipper immediately made amends by denying Fernandes a sumptuous strike from close range. 

The Red Devils have lost two of their last four openers, as many as in their previous 15. By contrast, Fulham have kept six clean sheets from a possible nine Premier League openers. Manchester United have scored in all their opening games since 1992 and was destined to keep that tradition intact. Leno sprung to Fulham's rescue in the 34th minute to keep the Portuguese Fernandes searching for his first goal since signing his new contract at the club. After a fortunate break, United got in behind the defence, but skipper Leno's subsequent brilliance kept the score at 0-0. 

The fans were thrilled with some slick passes and intricate plays from their beloved Red Devils but had to wait for the second half for a goal as the first half ended 0-0. United enjoyed most of the possession inside the opening 45 minutes with 60.7%, but Fulham did look dangerous on the counter - especially through the pace and power of Traore.

Manchester United started the second half, picking up from where they left off in the first. Fernandes released Rashford down the left with one of his sublime trademark long passes. The latter drove into the area before the ball ricocheted kindly for Mount, who was brilliantly denied from close range by Leno's dangling legs.  

Manager Ten Hag shuffled his team up and introduced Joshua Zirkee and Alejandro Garnacho for Amad Diallo and Mason Mount in the 61st minute. It did not take the Dutch striker long to etch his name on the hearts of the Stretford End faithful as he joined an elite group of Dutch players to score on his debut. The deadlock was finally broken at Old Trafford in the 87th minute when Zirkzee collected a ball on top of the 18-yard box. He then swiftly threaded it out to Casemiro, who helped it on to Garnacho. The Netherlands international then met the latter's cross and nonchalantly diverted the ball beyond Leno's reach. 

 Zirkzee has become the 15th Dutch player to score on his Premier League debut — and the fourth to do so while at Man United. The other three? That would be Alexander Büttner, Donny van de Beek and assistant coach Van Nistelrooy. Van Nistlerooy was among the scorers in 2006 when the two met in the English Premier League opener in a 5-1 defeat at Old Trafford. 

Three minutes later Bassey completely missed the ball as he looked to send it downfield, and Rashford picked up the scraps and scampered towards the goal. He unselfishly squared it for the World Cup winner Garnacho, who, with a gaping goal to aim for, somehow managed to drag the ball wide of the target. Gasps of disbelief echoed around Old Trafford. Down the years, there have been so many late clinchers in this fixture; the last time, it was Alex Iwobi, and now it is Zirkee.  

Fulham had more than held their own, constantly looking dangerous on the counter, but their resolve was finally broken three minutes from time. Substitute Zirkzee made it a debut to remember as he turned in Alejandro Garnacho's cross at the Stretford End, giving Erik Ten Hag's side all three points. Both teams are back in action next Saturday, with United travelling to Brighton and Hove Albion, where Fulham will host Leicester City.