Manchester United’s newest recruit, Joshua Zirkzee, made an immediate impact at Old Trafford by netting an 87th-minute winner in a tense Premier League clash against Fulham.
The £36 million signing from Bologna came off the bench alongside Alejandro Garnacho after an hour of play, as United struggled to break down Marco Silva’s resilient side.
The breakthrough came in dramatic fashion, with Garnacho delivering a pinpoint cross from the right, which Zirkzee calmly slotted into the bottom corner, dealing a devastating blow to Fulham’s hopes of salvaging a point.
The goal was met with rapturous applause from the home crowd, who had been eagerly anticipating a decisive moment.
Despite a slow start where United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana was forced to tip a dangerous Kenny Tete shot over the bar, it was United who posed the greater threat throughout the match.
However, Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno was in exceptional form, denying United on three occasions. Bruno Fernandes was twice thwarted by Leno, his frustration evident after a particularly brilliant save.
Mason Mount also saw his effort stopped by the Fulham shot-stopper after a well-placed cross from Marcus Rashford.
The match was witnessed by co-chairman Avie Glazer and new chief executive Omar Berrada, who saw Fernandes come close again with a curling effort that Leno managed to keep out.
However, United’s persistence paid off, and despite Erik ten Hag admitting his team was not fully prepared, they managed to secure the victory.
Zirkzee’s composed finish drew comparisons to another Dutchman, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is now part of Ten Hag’s coaching staff.
As fans chanted Van Nistelrooy’s name, it was clear that Zirkzee’s debut had stirred memories of the former United great, who also scored on his Premier League debut against Fulham.
While Garnacho missed a late chance to further seal the victory, firing wide after being set up by Rashford, United’s defense, led by Harry Maguire, held firm.
Maguire’s crucial intervention prevented former United midfielder Andreas Pereira from sending Alex Iwobi through on goal, maintaining the clean sheet.
Fulham, who began the match brightly and exposed United’s vulnerabilities, will return to London frustrated.
Their early dominance, marked by Kenny Tete’s close attempt and Adama Traore’s electrifying runs, failed to yield a goal.
Traore’s pace and directness posed significant challenges, but his final deliveries lacked precision, allowing United to regain control.
As the game wore on, Fulham’s missed opportunities and United’s defensive resilience paved the way for Zirkzee’s late winner, securing a hard-fought victory for the Red Devils in their Premier League opener.
