The Premier League is back, and Manchester United has started the season on a high note with a crucial 1-0 victory over Fulham. Although the match lacked the excitement many fans anticipated, it still brought a significant win for the Red Devils, thanks to their new summer signing.
Joshua Zirkzee’s Impactful Debut
Joshua Zirkzee, Manchester United’s latest addition, made a memorable debut. The 23-year-old striker, who joined from Bologna in July, entered the match in the 61st minute. It didn’t take long for him to make his mark. In the 87th minute, as the game seemed destined for a goalless draw, Zirkzee scored the decisive goal. He cleverly connected with an Alejandro Garnacho cross, sealing United’s victory.
Zirkzee’s Post-Match Reflections
After the match, Zirkzee expressed his joy, stating:
“To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal … it couldn’t be better. At the end of the day, we got the win and that’s all we wanted. That’s all the fans deserve, so to have this as an extra, it’s just beautiful.”
He added that the feeling of scoring at Old Trafford was “very nice,” highlighting the significance of his contribution.
A Tight Contest with Few Chances
The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams struggling to create clear opportunities. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes came close to breaking the deadlock but was denied twice by Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno. Mason Mount also had a chance, but it was Zirkzee who ultimately secured the win for the home team.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Manchester United | Fulham |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on Target | 3 | 2 |
| Possession (%) | 58 | 42 |
| Corners | 5 | 3 |
| Fouls | 10 | 12 |
Building on Last Season’s Success
Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League last season but ended on a high by winning the FA Cup against Manchester City. Manager Erik ten Hag hopes to carry that momentum into the new season.
Ten Hag commented after the match:
“Of course you need to win, especially at the start of the season. Get your wins, then it strengthens the belief and the confidence in the team. But the way we did it, it pleased me. Not everything is 100%, but from this point, we can build.”
Upcoming Premier League Action
The opening weekend of the Premier League continues with Arsenal, one of the early season favorites, kicking off their campaign on Saturday against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Arsenal, who finished second last season, aims to challenge Manchester City’s dominance.
Liverpool, under new head coach Arne Slot, also begins their season on Saturday against Premier League newcomers Ipswich, marking the first game since Jürgen Klopp’s departure.
Manchester City, the reigning champions with four consecutive Premier League titles, will start their season on Sunday against Chelsea.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s victory marks a promising start to the season, with new signing Joshua Zirkzee making an immediate impact. As the Premier League unfolds, fans will be eager to see if the Red Devils can build on this momentum and challenge for top honors this season.(Superace88)