Ogasabi on 9am news brings you the latest Breaking news from Old Trafford, where Joshua Zirkzee made a stunning debut for Manchester United by scoring a late winner to secure a 1-0 victory against Fulham in the opening match of the Premier League season on Friday. Zirkzee, who recently joined United from Bologna for £36.5m ($47 million), came off the bench for the final half hour and delivered when it mattered most.
The Dutch international, despite lacking full match fitness, saved the Red Devils from a frustrating evening by poking in Alejandro Garnacho’s cross in the 87th minute, ensuring that Erik ten Hag’s side began the new campaign with a crucial win. As reported by 9am news Nigeria, Ten Hag managed to hold onto his position at the end of last season after an FA Cup triumph against rivals Manchester City, but concerns remain about the team’s readiness for the new season.
United’s performance on the night echoed many of their struggles from last season. Bruno Fernandes, filling in as a center-forward due to Rasmus Hojlund’s absence, missed several key chances, and United’s search for a reliable striker continues to be a challenge. According to Ogasabi on 9am news, the team’s new signing, Noussair Mazraoui, was immediately placed in the starting lineup at left-back, while Jadon Sancho was notably absent from the squad, despite reports that he and Ten Hag had resolved their differences.
Last Meeting
Fulham, who defeated United at Old Trafford last season, began the match confidently. Andre Onana made an early save to keep out Kenny Tete’s effort, and Fulham could have capitalized on some sloppy United play. However, Casemiro’s return to form provided a much-needed boost for United. His incisive passing created opportunities for Fernandes, although the latter failed to convert them.
As the game wore on, United’s attacking frustrations continued, with Mason Mount also being denied by Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno. Ten Hag responded by bringing on Garnacho and Zirkzee, a move that ultimately paid off. Fulham had their chances, with Andreas Pereira and Alex Iwobi coming close, but it was Zirkzee who found the back of the net to clinch the win for United.
In the dying moments of the game, United could have doubled their lead when Garnacho missed a golden opportunity from Marcus Rashford’s pass. However, the single goal was enough to secure all three points, giving Ten Hag the winning start he desperately needed in this new Premier League season.
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