Joshua Zirkzee’s debut for Manchester United was nothing short of perfect. Coming off the bench to score a late winner against Fulham in their Premier League opener at Old Trafford, Zirkzee immediately made an impact. His goal in the 87th minute secured a 1-0 victory for United. It was Zirkzee’s first appearance for the team since his summer transfer from Bologna for a hefty fee of £36.5 million ($47.3 million).
In an interview with the BBC, Zirkzee expressed his delight with the team and the overall atmosphere at Manchester United. He mentioned feeling very comfortable and at home with the group. Zirkzee emphasized the hard work and focus the team puts in every day to achieve their goals. Despite the pressure of playing for a big club like United, Zirkzee seemed unfazed and focused on giving his best on the field.
Manager Erik ten Hag also shared his thoughts on the match and the team’s performance. He praised the players for their efforts and highlighted the importance of starting the season with a win. Despite acknowledging that many players were still not at full fitness due to limited training time together, ten Hag expressed his optimism about the team’s potential for growth and improvement.
One notable absence from the matchday squad was Jadon Sancho. Manager ten Hag clarified that Sancho was left out due to an ear infection that affected his fitness level. With squad depth being a priority for the season, ten Hag made the decision to include other players on the bench for the Fulham game. However, he emphasized that Sancho’s situation could change in the future, highlighting the importance of team dynamics over individual preferences.
Overall, Joshua Zirkzee’s stellar debut performance for Manchester United, coupled with the team’s victory over Fulham, sets a positive tone for the upcoming season. With a strong foundation to build on and the potential for further player integration, United fans have reasons to be hopeful for a successful campaign ahead.