Joshua Zirkzee made it a debut to remember as Manchester United defeated Fulham in front of a packed out Old Trafford.
An excited crowd of Manchester United fans became intensely nervous as the Premier League’s opening fixture neared its climax.
Substitute Joshua Zirkzee saved the day, scoring a winner after a cross from Alejandro Garnacho.
Zirkzee’s 87th minute strike saw him added to the list of players to recently score on their Manchester United debuts, while becoming an instant fan favourite.
Joshua Zirkzee praised
Joshua Zirkzee’s goal was a dream start for the Netherlands interrnational, a summer signing from Bologna for a fee of £36 million.
Zirkzee’s volley was the perfect way to get started, avoiding the long wait for a goal Rasmus Hojlund experienced in the Premier League last season.
United fans compared Zirkzee to Dimitar Berbatov with the deftness of his touch in the final third.
Zirkzee explained that Erik ten Hag told him to ‘bring energy’ when he came on, and he certainly did that.
The forward wrote on Instagram following the win: “Great start💪🏾⚽️🙏🏾 Thanks Old Trafford for the warm welcome!”
He received a number of congratulatory messages, including from his former Bayern Munich teammate Jamal Musiala, who he was recently on holiday with.
Musiala left two ‘fire emoji’ responses to Zirkzee’s post. The Dutch star had recently admitted he had asked Musiala about joining him at Old Trafford.
Manchester United just getting warmed up
Joshua Zirkzee’s goal was exactly what the team needed, and he is in with a real chance of starting next weekend away at Brighton.
Zirkzee was on the bench due to his fitness, which he is still building up after missing the pre-season tour.
Brighton will be a tricky side to face, winning 3-0 away at Everton in their opener, with new manager Fabian Hurzeler in charge.
United are just getting warmed up, and Brighton will be a big test, ahead of a showdown against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
If Zirkzee can continue his scoring streak, it will be most welcome, with Rasmus Hojlund also due to return after the Liverpool game.
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