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.
