Manchester United’s new era under Erik ten Hag began with a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Fulham, highlighted by a decisive goal from debutant Joshua Zirkzee. While the performance might not have been as commanding as Ten Hag would have preferred, the win provides a solid foundation for the season ahead.
The match, which took place at Old Trafford, saw Zirkzee, recently signed from Bologna, score the winning goal in the 87th minute. His goal came after he combined with fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho, demonstrating a clinical edge that has been somewhat elusive for United in recent years. The goal not only secured the win but also offered a glimpse of Zirkzee’s potential to make a significant impact at the club.
Last season, United’s campaign started with a similar narrow victory over Wolves, which was followed by a disappointing eighth-place finish. While results are critical, Ten Hag’s challenge is to transform these wins into consistent performances and build a clear identity for the team. Zirkzee’s debut goal and the clean sheet are encouraging signs, but Ten Hag knows there is much more work to be done.
The atmosphere at Old Trafford was buoyed by visible upgrades to the stadium and a refurbished tunnel, signaling a new chapter for the club. However, Ten Hag’s primary objective is to instill a cohesive playing style and rectify the disjointed performances that plagued last season.
In the directors’ box, Avram Glazer and interim England manager Lee Carsley observed the match, assessing whether this could signal the beginning of a new era for Manchester United after their worst Premier League finish in history. The club’s last competitive outing was a victorious FA Cup final, but a three-month break had threatened to disrupt their momentum.
Amad Diallo, starting over Garnacho, was the first to stir excitement among the fans with a dynamic run into the box, though his appeal for a penalty was dismissed. Despite possessing quality on the wings, as showcased by Diallo, Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford, United struggled to convert their chances. Bruno Fernandes missed two significant opportunities, while Bernd Leno made key saves to keep Fulham in the game.
Defensively, United’s performance was marked by a lack of composure at times. Harry Maguire’s theatrics in the box and missed chances to capitalize on Fulham’s defensive lapses highlighted ongoing issues. However, the defense, bolstered by new signings including Noussair Mazraoui, managed to keep a clean sheet, with André Onana making crucial saves.
The final stages of the match saw Ten Hag’s team fatigued, with Casemiro and others visibly tiring. This led to adjustments, including the introduction of De Ligt and Jonny Evans, which helped stabilize the defense and secure the victory. Zirkzee’s goal provided the much-needed boost and celebrated moment in front of the Stretford End.
The victory over Fulham, while not flawless, is a positive start for Ten Hag and his squad. To build on this win and avoid the pitfalls of last season, United must improve their performances and address the issues that arose during the match. The challenge now is to ensure that this result is not just a stroke of luck but a sign of a promising new chapter for Manchester United.
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