Manchester United’s new striker Joshua Zirkzee made the Red Devils optimistic about the 2024-2025 season with his debut goal that secured a 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford, Saturday morning.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The player who was brought in from Bologna with a transfer value of 36.5 million pounds scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute.
Zirkzee’s goal came when Manchester United looked like they would start the season with less than satisfactory results after failing in a series of chances due to poor finishing.
However, Zirkzee who came off the bench scored the winning goal that his team desperately needed.
“It’s very good for a striker to come on and score his first goal,” said coach Erik Ten Hag as quoted by ESPN.
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“This victory is very satisfying. Starting the season with a win is always important. We are not fully ready as a team, many players are not yet at full fitness. We only had 10 days to train together.”
Ten Hag added that although the team’s performance could still be improved, a strong foundation had been formed to face this season.
“The performance for 90 minutes was quite good, although there is still room for improvement, but overall, the performance and execution of the game plan was very good,” he added.
Zirkzee appeared as a hero, but it did not cover up the problems that Manchester United still have to face.
Before Zirkzee came on in the 61st minute, United played with Bruno Fernandes as the main striker, but chances were wasted.
The sharpness of United’s front line, which was a problem last season, still seems to be a problem this season.
Rasmus Hojlund, who is recovering from a hamstring injury during the pre-season tour, is highly anticipated to return to strengthen United’s front line.
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However, Zirkzee’s presence provides a promising alternative to Ten Hag. The Dutch striker immediately made an impact by scoring the winning goal.
A positive debut was also shown by United’s new right-back, Noussair Mazraoui.
United started the new season on the right foot.
Zirkzee, who arrived at the right time, made an important contribution to the Red Devils’ first win of the season.
However, a big challenge still awaits ten Hag and his troops to be consistent throughout the season.