MANCHESTER, England — There’s nothing like a late winner from a new striker to spark early-season optimism, and Joshua Zirkzee delivered exactly that for Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag.
As the clock ticked towards a frustrating draw in United’s opening match of the 2024-25 Premier League season, the £36.5 million summer signing from Bologna came off the bench to score an 87th-minute debut goal, securing a 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford. Zirkzee’s cool celebration belied the magnitude of the moment, while Ten Hag’s reaction—fists clenched above his head on the touchline—was a mix of joy and relief.
Following a disappointing 2023-24 season, this opener was Ten Hag’s first opportunity to showcase that things would be different this year. A draw at home would have raised more questions than answers, but instead, United walked away with three points and a renewed sense of hope, much of which was down to Zirkzee’s heroics.
“It is very good for a striker to come in and score his first goal,” Ten Hag said after the match. “The win is very pleasing. To start the season with a win is always important. We are not ready as a squad, as a team, many players are not up to full fitness. We only had 10 days with this team training together.”
A Promising Debut
Zirkzee’s impact was immediate and crucial. With United struggling to find the net despite dominating possession and creating several chances, the Dutch striker’s introduction injected fresh energy into the attack. His decisive goal, coming in the dying minutes of the game, was the perfect introduction to life at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee’s arrival at United was met with curiosity and cautious optimism. Known for his technical ability and clinical finishing, the 22-year-old had shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Bologna, which convinced Ten Hag to bring him to Manchester. However, it’s one thing to impress in Serie A and quite another to do so in the pressure cooker of the Premier League. Yet, if his debut is anything to go by, Zirkzee might just be the missing piece United have been searching for.
Building Momentum
Starting the season with a win is vital, particularly given the high expectations surrounding United this season. The Red Devils have invested heavily in their squad, and with players like Zirkzee leading the charge, there’s a growing belief that they can mount a serious challenge on all fronts.
However, Ten Hag was quick to temper expectations, acknowledging that the team is still a work in progress. “We are not ready as a squad,” he admitted. “Many players are not up to full fitness. We only had 10 days with this team training together.”
Despite these challenges, the victory over Fulham is a positive step forward. It’s a reminder that even in the early stages of the season, when fitness and form are still being fine-tuned, the ability to grind out results is what often separates title contenders from the rest.
The Road Ahead
For Zirkzee, this debut goal could be the start of something special. United have been in desperate need of a reliable goalscorer, someone who can be counted on to make the difference in tight games. If Zirkzee continues to deliver, he could quickly become a fan favorite and a key player in Ten Hag’s plans.
As for Manchester United, this victory sets the tone for the season ahead. With a long and challenging campaign in front of them, starting on the right foot was essential. The road to success is never straightforward, but with players like Zirkzee making an immediate impact, United have every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.