Joshua Zirkzee comments after scoring winner on his Manchester United debut against Fulham
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee opened up after scoring the winner on his debut for the club against Fulham on Friday, August 16. The Dutchman came off the bench to help his side win 1-0 at Old Trafford in their 2024-25 Premier League opener.
The Red Devils signed Zirkzee from Bologna earlier this summer for a reported fee of over €42 million. He started on the bench against Fulham on Friday but came on in the 61st minute for Mason Mount. With the game still goalless, the Dutchman made a great impact on his debut.
Zirzkee received the ball in the central position and laid it out on the right wing. He moved into the box and connected well with an Alejandro Garnacho cross to score past Bernd Leno. Manchester United held on to earn their first three points of the season.
After the game, Zirkzee said (via Fabrizio Romano):
“It’s been a dream to come here, I feel very warm in Manchester! Scoring on my debut here feels incredible."
He added (via The United Stand):
"To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn't be better. I've been told [scoring at the Stretford End] is one of the best feelings at Man Utd. 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."
With Rasmus Hojlund out injured, Zirkzee could stake a claim for a starting spot for Manchester United's next game.
Erik ten Hag pinpoints area where Manchester United need to improve
The Red Devils had 56% possession and 14 attempts on goal, with just five being on target against Fulham. They missed numerous chances throughout the game, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho being guilty of them.
After the game, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said that they need to convert their chances better to not rely on a late winner. He said (via manutd.com):
"I think one space that we have to fill is to kill in the box. You saw it in the friendlies and you saw it against City last week, we create enough chances and we have to not wait for a later winner. We could have been earlier in a winning position and we have to be more composed and learn to kill in front of goal."
Manchester United will return to action against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on August 24.