Manchester United started the new seasons with a 1-0 victory as Joshua Zirkzee grabbed his first goal for the club against Fulham.
The new season is here and Manchester United repeated the trick from last term.
United picked up a 1-0 win at Old Trafford in the first game of last season, beating Wolverhampton Wanderers with a Raphael Varane goal.
It was the same again to start this term as United beat Fulham 1-0, leaving it even later this time around.
Joshua Zirkzee pounced with the only goal of the game, prodding Alejandro Garnacho’s cross into the net.
This was Zirkzee’s first appearance for United since signing from Bologna and his first goal in front of the Stretford End, making him an almost instant hero.
Joshua Zirkzee on Kobbie Mainoo
Rasmus Hojlund is out injured but Zirkzee only joined up with United late in pre-season having been at Euro 2024 with the Netherlands.
That meant Zirkzee wasn’t quite ready to start against Fulham, especially as he didn’t feature at all in the Community Shield clash with Manchester City last weekend.
Zirkzee came off the bench and made his impact felt though, showing smart and sharp link-up play to go alongside his goal.
The Dutchman will hope to help form a strong, young nucleus at Old Trafford and that will certainly include Kobbie Mainoo.
The United midfielder impressed once again on Friday and came close to scoring himself but dragged a shot wide from the edge of the box.
Mainoo has taken to Instagram to react to Friday’s win, simply stating ‘no place like home’ as he savoured an Old Trafford victory.
Mainoo also called Zirkzee ‘hitman’, welcoming the new signing to United in style.
Zirkzee had just one word back to Mainoo too, branding him the ‘general’ of United’s midfield engine room.
Perhaps Mainoo can improve defensively, but in terms of his quality and composure on the ball, he is simply playing way beyond his years and really is becoming United’s midfield general.
United talent Rhys Bennett added that Mainoo is ‘top class’ whilst Sam Mather simply branded him ‘top’ after another fine display.
Future is bright for United
Last season was a rollercoaster ride for United fans but, outside of winning the FA Cup and all the ensuing celebration, one photo sticks in the memory from last term.
During the 3-0 win over West Ham United, Mainoo celebrated alongside Hojlund and Garnacho as the trio sat together on an advertising hoarding.
The image of those three young talents went viral as United fans were given a glimpse of a bright future.
Well, it may be time to add Zirkzee into the picture too.
Yes, Zirkzee is a little older at 23 but he should have his best days ahead of him and his display on Friday showed that he won’t be overawed at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee – alongside fellow summer signing Leny Yoro – can be a star of the coming years for United and Friday’s winner should be just the start for him as he settles in alongside Mainoo.
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