Manchester United experienced a pleasing sense of symmetry when Joshua Zirkzee scored a late winner on his Premier League debut against Fulham at Old Trafford. Twenty-three years earlier, another Dutch forward had done the same against the same opponents for United.
While Zirkzee may not match Ruud van Nistelrooy’s impressive tally of 150 goals over five seasons at the club, the connection is notable as Van Nistelrooy has returned to United as a coaching assistant under manager Erik ten Hag. The shared Dutch heritage added to the delight of Zirkzee’s expertly executed 87th-minute goal.
“It doesn’t matter if he is Dutch or English or Russian or South American,” said Ten Hag. “It is Man Utd. He is a Man Utd player and it is very good for a striker to come in and score his first goal.”
Ten Hag referenced the struggles of Rasmus Hojlund, his big money striking purchase last season, who was 15 games into his Premier League career before he finally found the net, against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
“Remember last season when Rasmus scored a first goal [against Brighton in his second game on 16 September] and we wait on the halfway line for two minutes before VAR decided the ball was over the [goal] line [before the cross]. It was very frustrating.”
On such fine margins can major moments turn.
Zirkzee’s goal sent the vast majority of a capacity crowd into raptures. The noise did justice to the build-up the £36.5m signing from Italian side Bologna had been given.
“I’ve been told [scoring at the Stretford End] it’s one of the best feelings at Man Utd,” he said. “I’m so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It’s an amazing feeling.
“It’s been amazing, it’s been a dream actually.”
Man Utd look like a serious club again’
The result also allowed for a more reflective assessment from pundits who, as former United captains, seem to have spent so long being critical of their old club.
Gary Neville was delighted at the overall sense of control and impetus at the club, which comes from the presence of a new chief executive in Omar Berrada and sporting director in Dan Ashworth.
“Man Utd need to be a serious football club and it looks at least like that is happening,” he said.
“The prices [being paid for players] seem to be better. It was embarrassing in large parts of last season and pathetic in certain games. Where they are now is a strong position. I feel more optimistic.”
Zirkzee’s display included a nonchalant celebration that matched the way in which he took the goal, sweeping Alejandro Garnacho’s right-wing cross into the bottom corner with the minimum of fuss.
“It was a brilliant finish,” said Roy Keane.
“He was neat and tidy in the link up. United need to punish teams more but they were a threat and to score on your debut is huge.”
There was complication around Zirkzee in the summer.
Ten Hag revealed the 23-year-old ended last season with an injury which was going to rule him out of Euro 2024 only for further injuries to the Dutch squad to mean he was picked by Ronald Koeman anyway.
It meant Zirkzee had an extended break off the back of not being fit, meaning he had to be managed carefully when he did report for pre-season training, which is why he was on the bench throughout the Community Shield defeat by Manchester City at Wembley.
“We had to look at every individual and he had to build up some deficits,” said Ten Hag.
“He has some attributes we didn’t have and straight away he showed it. He is very good in his linking up combinations – but he has to arrive in the box to score goals. That is what he did today.”
With less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, Manchester United is still evaluating their options. The club is particularly focused on strengthening their midfield, with Burnley’s Sander Berge among potential targets. However, much will depend on how much revenue the club can generate.
Scotland international Scott McTominay is seen as a valuable asset, although it is unclear if he is willing to leave. Napoli has shown interest, and after Fulham’s bid for McTominay was rejected, their fans cheekily chanted “he wants to sign for Fulham” when McTominay was brought on in the second half.
Additionally, Jadon Sancho, who was left out of the starting lineup for the opening match, was confirmed by manager Erik ten Hag to have been overlooked rather than excluded due to his recovery from an ear infection. Chelsea is the latest club to show interest in Sancho, who had a turbulent end to last season with a loan move to Borussia Dortmund following a major fallout with Ten Hag.
“This will be a season of survival of the fittest but I can only put 20 players in the squad,” said Ten Hag. “In the week Jadon had an ear infection and was not 100% fit. He could play but I make choices and prefer other players on the bench.
“But that can change and will change this season. Sometimes it is frustrating for the player but it is about the team and the club.”
