There is just something about a new Manchester United striker, Fulham, and their first Premier League appearance at Old Trafford.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, all the way back in 2001, scored twice in two second-half minutes as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side edged past a Fulham team who’s own centre-forward – future Red Devil Louis Saha – also hit a brace.
A decade later, it was Robin van Persie. Wonderfully converting a Patrice Evra cross with trademark panache and style.
2024, meanwhile, is Joshua Zirkzee’s year.
Off the bench and onto the scoresheet, the £35 million signing from Bologna showed in one move exactly why Manchester United made him their first-choice striker target during the summer window.
Dropping deep to receive a Bruno Fernandes pass and then move the ball out to the wing, Zirkzee ghosted into the penalty area before sticking out his boot and guiding a fizzed Alejandro Garnacho cross into the back of Bernd Leno’s net.
Joshua Zirkzee scores on Manchester United debut
Not just a finisher but a facilitator too.
Call him what you want – a ‘master’ link-man, the ‘best in the world‘ at what he does – the only description of Joshua Zirkzee that really matters today is this; Manchester United match-winner.
“It was a brilliant finish,” legendary captain Roy Keane told BBC Sport after Zirkzee became the first player to hit the net in the 2024/25 Premier League season.
“He was neat and tidy in the link up. United need to punish teams more but they were a threat and to score on your debut is huge.
“It was a lovely goal,” the Irishman adds. “And, for a new player to come to a club and score on your debut, it’s huge.”
Zirkzee, despite his obvious qualities in and around the penalty area, is not the most prolific of strikers. The 6ft 4ins Dutchman may have won Serie A’s Young Player of the Year award while helping fire Bologna into the Champions League places but he still only hit the net 12 times in 2023/24.
So while the club’s new number 11 is unlikely to challenge Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot stakes – United bought him for his creativity and his vision more than anything really – this is most certainly an early weight off those shoulders.
“It was very important to get the first goal as a striker,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports as Zirkzee hit the target with 87 minutes on the clock. “For him, it is very pleasing because strikers have to score.
“That is the first ability you have to show when you come as a striker to a new club.
“Of course, trophies we take on board. That is for the history (books). No-one can take this away from you. We start on zero going into the next season and we are very ambitious, we want to win more trophies.
“We want to compete in every league we play in and now we have a platform.”
Dream start against Fulham for £35m signing
In addition to his late winner, the intelligence, composure and guile with which Zirkzee plays the game also stood out from his first touch of the ball.
“To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better,” smiles former Bayern Munich man, who reunites with Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt in England’s north west.
“I’ve been told (scoring at the Stretford End) is one of the best feelings at Man United. I’m so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It’s an amazing feeling.
“At the end of the day we got the win, that’s all we wanted. I can’t really explain the feeling, it’s just very nice. I feel very warm here. It’s a great team. We want to achieve something great. It’s been amazing, it’s been a dream actually.
“The manager told me to bring an energy and help the team as much as possible, just that. Manchester United is a huge club. You should always strive for the best. That includes day by day giving 100 per cent, that’s the plan. It’s all good vibes.”
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