By Seyi Babalola
Joshua Zirkzee had an impressive debut for Manchester United, coming off the bench to secure a late victory over Fulham in their Premier League opening on Friday.
After a summer of conjecture and upheaval behind the scenes, Erik ten Hag, who was retained after winning the FA Cup against Manchester City, wanted to start the season on a high note at Old Trafford.
United showed promise in some areas but appeared to be frustrated by Marco Silva’s Fulham, only for Zirkzee to convert a cross from fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho in a late 1-0 victory.
The Netherlands international did not play a minute of United’s pre-season friendly after arriving late from Euro 2024, but his 61st-minute introduction was inspired.
Zirkzee, who had been recruited from Bologna, came in as part of a double substitution with Garnacho, whose cross he nudged home in the 87th minute to secure an opening-night victory for Manchester United.
