Manchester United beat Fulham on Friday night with Joshua Zirkzee the sole goalscorer.
Life at Old Trafford could not have gotten off to a better start for Joshua Zirkzee, as he scored his first goal in his debut appearance.
He joined a long list of United players to score on their debut, and this bodes well for his career at the club.
This goal handed Manchester United a 1-0 win over Fulham to begin the season just as Erik ten Hag would have dreamt of.
In winning the game for his new club, Zirkzee may have also proved Ten Hag wrong.
Erik ten Hag got one call wrong in his starting XI
Berbatov was on punditry for Premier League Productions and after the game, he was full of praise for Zirkzee after his debut goal.
“[Zirkzee] will be buzzing after the game. That’s what you want when you are a striker. First game and first goal for the club. His confidence is going to be boasted. It wasn’t the greatest goal but it was the goal that won the game.
After praising the Dutchman for getting his goal, Berbatov then explained that this proves why a striker needs to be named in the team – as without Zirkzee that goal does not get scored.
“That’s why you need a striker up there.”
This implies that Zirkzee may have actually proved Ten Hag wrong in his decision of starting two number 10s instead of a striker.
Zirkzee must now start against Brighton next weekend
While Ten Hag seemed reluctant to thrown Zirkzee into the deep end, it could be exactly what he needs to do, with the Dutchman showing he is ready.
Without a striker, United once again struggled to score despite having many chances to do so.
As a striker, Zirkzee has a real presence and looks huge on the pitch while also being strong in pressing and also finishing as has become evident already.
Next weekend against Brighton, Ten Hag needs to start Zirkzee here to ensure it is an easier and less stressful afternoon in front of goal.
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