By Manchester United kicked off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday, August 16, 2024. The match was decided by a late goal from debutant Joshua Zirkzee, who came off the bench to secure three points for Erik ten Hag’s side.
Zirkzee, a recent £47 million signing from Bologna, made an immediate impact in his first appearance for the Red Devils. The Dutch striker poked home a cross from fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho in the 87th minute, sending the Old Trafford crowd into raptures.
“To win here in my first home game, and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better,” Zirkzee said post-match.
The 23-year-old was one of three new signings to make their United debuts, alongside defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt, both recent arrivals from Bayern Munich. Mazraoui started at right-back and put in a solid 81-minute shift before being replaced by De Ligt.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, retained despite last season’s eighth-place finish, expressed cautious optimism after the match. “It’s just the first game, but it’s good to strengthen the belief and confidence in the team,” he said. “I have seen the places where we need to improve. But that’s normal in the first game of the season.”
The match saw United create several opportunities, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount both denied by excellent saves from Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. However, the lack of a recognized striker for much of the game – with Zirkzee not yet fully match fit and Rasmus Hojlund injured – was evident in United’s finishing.
Ten Hag acknowledged this, stating, “That’s the only criticism I have of the team. To kill. Kill in the box.”
The victory marks a solid start for Manchester United’s £180 million summer investment, as they aim to return to their former glories. The performance of new signings, particularly Zirkzee’s match-winning contribution, will boost confidence at Old Trafford.
As the Premier League season gets underway, attention now turns to Saturday’s fixtures, including Liverpool’s trip to promoted Ipswich and Arsenal hosting Wolverhampton. Reigning champions Manchester City begin their title defense at Chelsea on Sunday.
This opening night victory sets a positive tone for Manchester United’s campaign, but Ten Hag and his team will be aware that tougher challenges lie ahead in their quest to climb back up the Premier League table.
AP
