Manchester United put in a performance deserving of all three points against Fulham and it would have felt like a letdown to walk away with a draw.
The team’s finishing was wasteful, except for one man, who scored with his one and only goalscoring chance, Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee’s goal gave Manchester United a 1-0 win, the perfect way to mark his debut, combining with fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
United were the better team, with 14 shots at goal, and also enjoying more possession, and had an expected goal tally of 2.43. It should have been a lot more than 1-0.
Man of the match vs Fulham
Manchester United had a number of impressive performers in the game, including another new signing, Noussair Mazraoui.
Harry Maguire’s impressive defensive efforts also stood out, but only one player could be named man of the match.
United supporters voted via the club website and app to select a star man – with matchwinner Joshua Zirkzee edging out a much improved Casemiro.
Here is a look at how the voting broke down…
- Joshua Zirkzee: 33 per cent
- Casemiro: 19 per cent
- Noussair Mazraoui: 12 per cent
- Harry Maguire: 10 per cent
- Kobbie Mainoo: 5 per cent
- Lisandro Martinez: 4 per cent
- All other players two per cent or fewer
Memorable debut for Zirkzee
This was a debut Joshua Zirkzee will not forget, and the first of many goals the new signing will score in a Manchester United shirt.
Zirkzee had come on in the 61st minute as part of a double change, and showed what he was all about with some really nice touches.
He only got one chance to score, and he took it, directing Alejandro Garnacho’s cross into the box into the bottom corner of the net.
Zirkzee is the first player to score on his United debut since Antony two years ago.
It was a great way to win over supporters, and this game will live long in the memory thanks to his impressive impact.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
