In a dramatic twist, Joshua Zirkzee delivered a late goal to secure Manchester United’s narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham in their 2024/25 English Premier League opener.
Despite having numerous chances in the first half, Zirkzee was thwarted by Fulham’s Bernd Leno. The Dutch striker, making his full debut after a summer transfer from Bologna, initially struggled but came through with a moment of brilliance. As a second-half substitute, Zirkzee expertly converted a cross into the corner of the net, clinching the win for United.
The result marked a promising start for Erik ten Hag, who, despite an inconsistent previous season, received continued backing from the club’s hierarchy. Ten Hag’s tactical decisions included giving Noussair Mazraoui a starting debut and utilizing Matthijs de Ligt from the bench. Nevertheless, both ends of the pitch exhibited some issues that might be a cause for concern.
Fulham had their moments and will be disappointed with their inability to challenge Manchester United’s Andre Onana more effectively, allowing Zirkzee’s decisive strike to be the difference in the season’s first match.
