Zirkzee Gives Man United Reason For Optimism In 2024-25

MANCHESTER, England — There’s no better way to kick off a new Premier League season than with a dramatic late winner from a new signing. For Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag, Joshua Zirkzee’s debut goal in the 87th minute sealed a 1-0 victory over Fulham, injecting fresh optimism into Old Trafford and offering a glimpse of what might be a revitalized campaign.

A Dream Debut: Zirkzee’s Timely Intervention

The New Striker Delivers

Manchester United fans had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new striker, Joshua Zirkzee, following his £36.5 million transfer from Bologna. When Zirkzee finally stepped onto the pitch, he did not disappoint. The 22-year-old Dutch forward, known for his clinical finishing in Serie A, came off the bench to break the deadlock and secure three crucial points for United. The goal, a composed finish from inside the box after a well-placed cross from Alejandro Garnacho, was a moment of pure relief for Erik ten Hag and the home crowd.

Ten Hag’s reaction was a mix of joy and relief, both fists clenched in the air as he celebrated what could be a turning point for his side. For Zirkzee, the celebration was more subdued, but the significance of the moment was not lost on him. It was a perfect start to his United career and a sign that he could be the solution to the club’s long-standing issues in front of goal.

Ten Hag’s Tactical Dilemmas: Finding the Right Formula

Early Struggles and Tactical Adjustments

While Zirkzee’s late heroics grabbed the headlines, Manchester United’s performance for much of the match highlighted ongoing tactical challenges. With Zirkzee starting on the bench, Ten Hag opted to play Bruno Fernandes as a false nine, a role that did not fully suit the Portuguese playmaker. Despite controlling possession and creating several opportunities, United failed to convert their chances, with Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno making a series of crucial saves.

Fernandes, usually more effective in a deeper, creative role, struggled to make a significant impact as the central striker. Twice in the first half, he found himself with a clear sight of goal, but on both occasions, Leno was equal to the task. United’s frustration was palpable, and their desperation to score became evident when Harry Maguire was booked for simulation while attempting to win a penalty.

It was only after Zirkzee’s introduction in the 61st minute that United’s attack began to click. His presence as a traditional No. 9 provided a focal point for the team’s forward play, allowing Fernandes to drop deeper and orchestrate from midfield. The change in dynamics eventually led to the game’s decisive moment, underlining the importance of finding the right tactical balance.

The Lingering Issue: United’s Finishing Woes

A Problem That Persists

Despite the victory, Manchester United’s inability to finish off their chances remains a concern for Erik ten Hag. Last season, United were the joint-lowest scorers among the Premier League’s top ten, and their struggles in front of goal have carried over into the new campaign. In the final preseason match against Liverpool, United squandered early opportunities before conceding three goals, and in the Community Shield against Manchester City, Marcus Rashford missed two clear chances that could have avoided a penalty shootout.

Ten Hag acknowledged the issue in his post-match comments, emphasizing the need for his team to be more clinical in front of goal. “One space we have to fill is to kill in the box,” Ten Hag said. “We saw it in the friendlies and last week against City. We create enough chances to not have to wait for a late winner. We have to be more composed and kill.”

The return of Rasmus Hojlund from his 10-week layoff due to a hamstring injury will be eagerly anticipated. Hojlund, who has been sidelined since picking up the injury during the club’s preseason tour in the United States, is expected to add firepower to United’s attack. However, in the meantime, Zirkzee’s performance offers hope that United have found a capable backup who can step up when needed.

Zirkzee’s Impact: A Glimpse of the Future

A Striker’s Instinct

Joshua Zirkzee’s debut goal was the epitome of a striker’s instinct. With the game still goalless and time running out, Zirkzee dropped deep to collect the ball, linked up play with a simple pass to Casemiro, and then positioned himself perfectly in the box to meet Garnacho’s cross. His finish, a deft poke across Leno, was clinical and decisive.

It was a goal reminiscent of former United great Ruud van Nistelrooy, now an assistant manager at the club. Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals during his time at United, would have been proud of Zirkzee’s movement and composure in front of goal. The parallels between the two Dutch strikers are hard to ignore, and United fans will be hoping that Zirkzee can emulate Van Nistelrooy’s success at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag was quick to praise his new signing, highlighting the attributes that set Zirkzee apart. “He has some attributes we didn’t have and straight away he showed it. He is very good in his linking up combinations but he has to arrive in the box to score goals,” Ten Hag said. Zirkzee’s ability to link play and his natural goal-scoring instinct could prove invaluable as United look to challenge on multiple fronts this season.

Defensive Solidity: A Foundation to Build On

A Clean Sheet at Old Trafford

While much of the focus was on Zirkzee’s match-winning goal, Manchester United’s defensive performance also deserves credit. The clean sheet against Fulham was United’s first at home since March, and it was hard-earned. Lisandro Martínez, in particular, played a crucial role, making a vital clearance off the line with the score still 0-0.

New signing Noussair Mazraoui also impressed at right-back, offering both defensive stability and an attacking threat down the flank. United’s defense, which was often criticized last season, looked more assured and organized in this match. However, there were still moments of nervousness, particularly when Fulham pushed forward in the second half, and Ten Hag will be keen to iron out these issues as the season progresses.

A New Era at Old Trafford: Optimism and Caution

The Importance of Consistency

Manchester United’s victory over Fulham provides a much-needed boost of confidence at the start of the season, but Erik ten Hag will be well aware that one game does not make a season. Last year, United also won their opening match 1-0, only to lose four of their next five games. The challenge for Ten Hag and his team will be to build on this positive start and maintain consistency.

The fresh start at Old Trafford, with a new co-owner in Sir Jim Ratcliffe, new executives like Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada, and new players like Zirkzee, has injected a sense of optimism around the club. However, Ten Hag knows better than anyone that results on the pitch are what ultimately matter. United’s success this season will depend on their ability to turn performances like this one into a sustained run of positive results.

Looking Ahead: Building on the Momentum

The Road to Success

Manchester United’s victory over Fulham, secured by Joshua Zirkzee’s late goal, marks a promising start to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign. The performance showcased the potential of United’s new signings and highlighted areas for improvement. As Erik ten Hag and his team look ahead to the challenges that lie ahead, the key will be to build on this momentum and address the lingering issues that have plagued the club in recent seasons.

The return of key players like Rasmus Hojlund will undoubtedly strengthen United’s attacking options, but the foundation for success must be consistency and resilience. With the right tactical adjustments and continued development of their new signings, Manchester United can aspire to compete at the highest level once again. For now, the Red Devils have taken their first step on that journey, and Joshua Zirkzee’s debut goal will be remembered as the spark that ignited their campaign.

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