New signing saves United in the premiere

Manchester United seemed to be heading for a goalless draw in the Premier League premiere at home against Fulham. Then new acquisition Joshua Zirkzee stepped forward as a savior. To win in my first home match and score a goal, it can't get any better, says the 23-year-old after the 1-0 victory.

» Published:

New signing saves United in the premiere
Photo: Dave Thompson/AP/TT

Share this article

When the 2024-2025 Premier League season kicked off on Friday evening, it looked like it was going to be goalless between Manchester United and Fulham.

But with just a few minutes left of regular playing time, United's new acquisition Joshua Zirkzee struck on home soil. After a pass from Alejandro Garnacho, Zirkzee was able to tap the ball in mid-stride.

Missed giant opportunity

The match clock showed 87 minutes played – just over 25 minutes after the 23-year-old Dutchman had come off the bench for his substitute appearance.

Garnacho had a giant opportunity to make it 2-0 in the final added minute, but the talent missed an open goal.

Fortunately for Garnacho, 1-0 was enough for United against a Fulham that struggled to create 100% scoring opportunities despite a solid performance.

A result-wise good start for United's Dutch coach Erik ten Hag, who was questioned after the big club had to settle for eighth place in the Premier League last season. Manchester United did win the FA Cup, however, and ten Hag received continued confidence.

No Nilsson Lindelöf

Swedish national team defender Victor Nilsson Lindelöf was missing from United's squad. In addition to Zirkzee, who was recruited from Italian Bologna, two more summer acquisitions were featured in United's premiere.

Defensive duo Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt have joined from Bayern München and both got playing time against Fulham. Mazraoui started as right-back before de Ligt replaced him in the 81st minute.

The Premier League continues on Saturday, with Ipswich–Liverpool kicking off at 13.30.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Swedish Duo Seeks Redemption in Tokyo at Athletics World Championship

Swedish Duo Seeks Redemption in Tokyo at Athletics World Championship

Laura Dahlmeier's Body to Be Recovered Despite Her Wishes

Laura Dahlmeier's Body to Be Recovered Despite Her Wishes

Convicted Pedophiles Found Coaching in Swedish Youth Sports Clubs

Convicted Pedophiles Found Coaching in Swedish Youth Sports Clubs

Nanasi's Shoulder Injury May Sideline Him for World Championship Qualifiers

Nanasi's Shoulder Injury May Sideline Him for World Championship Qualifiers

Maja Stark Secures Fifth Place in Ohio LPGA Event After US Open Win

Maja Stark Secures Fifth Place in Ohio LPGA Event After US Open Win

Ragnar Carlsson Falls Short in World Championship Hammer Throw Qualifiers

Ragnar Carlsson Falls Short in World Championship Hammer Throw Qualifiers

Suldan Hassan Targets Olympic Gold at Los Angeles 2028

Suldan Hassan Targets Olympic Gold at Los Angeles 2028

Germany Wins European Basketball Championship After 32-Year Wait

Germany Wins European Basketball Championship After 32-Year Wait

Roony Bardghji Debuts for Barcelona in 6-0 Win Over Valencia

Roony Bardghji Debuts for Barcelona in 6-0 Win Over Valencia

Haaland Shines as Man City Dominates Manchester Derby 3-0

Haaland Shines as Man City Dominates Manchester Derby 3-0

Tour of Spain Final Stage Canceled Amid Protests in Madrid

Tour of Spain Final Stage Canceled Amid Protests in Madrid

Oliver Solberg Wins First WRC2 World Championship Title

Oliver Solberg Wins First WRC2 World Championship Title

Elfsborg Stages Comeback to Draw 2-2 with Malmö in Allsvenskan Match

Elfsborg Stages Comeback to Draw 2-2 with Malmö in Allsvenskan Match

Finland Narrowly Misses Bronze in European Basketball Championship

Finland Narrowly Misses Bronze in European Basketball Championship

Alex Norén Wins PGA Championship at Wentworth After Playoff Victory

Alex Norén Wins PGA Championship at Wentworth After Playoff Victory

Jamaica Wins First Men's 100m World Championship Gold Since Bolt

Jamaica Wins First Men's 100m World Championship Gold Since Bolt

Kajsa Bergqvist Emotional Over Almgren's World Championship Bronze

Kajsa Bergqvist Emotional Over Almgren's World Championship Bronze

Stockholm Derby Ends in Dramatic 3-3 Draw as Djurgården Scores Late

Stockholm Derby Ends in Dramatic 3-3 Draw as Djurgården Scores Late

Rolfö Shines with Assist in Super League Debut for Manchester United

Rolfö Shines with Assist in Super League Debut for Manchester United

Andreas Almgren Wins Historic Bronze in 10,000m at World Championships

Andreas Almgren Wins Historic Bronze in 10,000m at World Championships