United View: New boy Zirkzee wins it for United

Manchester United’s Premier League campaign got off to a winning start, albeit a late one, as new signing Joshua Zirkzee scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute against Fulham at Old Trafford.

The late goal ensured a winning start for the Reds and even though it was a positive for a large portion of the game, there was still room for improvement.

Joshua Zirkzee became the third Manchester United player making their Old Trafford debut to score against Fulham – after Ruud Van Nistelrooy in 2001 and Robin Van Persie in 2012. His goal gave a glimpse into what fans can look to expect from him as a player, receiving the ball deep, linking up the play before making a late run into the box to finish off the move.

In truth, United should have scored prior to Zirkzee’s winner, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount being thwarted by Bernd Leno. This lack of clinical finishing was apparent in pre-season and in United’s two previous seasons scoring 57 and 58 respectively. If Erik ten Hag is to secure a top four finish, this is an area he’ll need to improve.

In his post-match press conference, ten Hag remained optimistic, saying, “It is the start of the season, players have to come into full speed, and we have enough players with scoring abilities and most importantly we created chances.”

Despite these concerns, it was still an encouraging performance, with United issuing control for larger spells of the game, even if Fulham did offer their own threat in the opening and later stages of the match. However, it was still a significant improvement from the 1-0 win against Wolves on opening day last season.

There were solid individual performances from Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and new signing Noussair Mazraoui who looked very assured at right full back. As did Casemiro who looked much sharper, hopefully he can build upon this after a disappointing campaign in 2023/24.

The manager was full of praise for the Brazilian, stating, “I think his performance all over was very good exactly what we expect from him, very good organiser, very good interceptions, very good in duels but he’s a good linker, a good passer.”

Casemiro was rumoured to be leaving Old Trafford at the start of the summer, with Jamie Carragher suggesting he should join the MLS or the Saudi Pro League following United’s 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last season. But as of right now it looks like he’s firmly in Erik ten Hag’s plans.

If he can get back to the levels, he showed in his debut season at Old Trafford then United would be a better team, but my gut feeling is that he will need support and shouldn’t be relied upon for the entirety of the season.

Sander Berge who was identified as a potential target from Burnley, looks to be heading to Fulham with United still trying to sign another midfielder before the transfer window closes on 30th August.

There is still hope a deal can be reached with PSG for Manuel Ugarte, who was left out of the French side’s squad for their opening Ligue 1 match, with the player wanting a move to Old Trafford. But PSG will have to come down on their asking price if they are to offload the midfielder.

The Reds return to Premier League action this Saturday against Brighton, fresh off their opening 3-0 win against Everton. Erik ten Hag will be hoping his side can build upon this victory. A more clinical performance and the potential addition of a new midfielder could be key to sustaining a strong start to the season.