In a memorable match at Old Trafford, Manchester United dominated Fulham, with Joshua Zirkzee making a remarkable debut that will be remembered for years to come. As the Premier League opener was drawing to a close, the atmosphere among the Manchester United fans, who were already excited, turned increasingly tense.
The game’s fate changed with the introduction of Zirkzee, whose decisive goal in the 87th minute secured a victory for United. Alejandro Garnacho’s well-placed cross set up the goal, cementing Zirkzee’s place in the history of United players who have scored on their debuts. Instantly, he became a fan favorite.
This marked a perfect start for the Dutch international, who joined Manchester United from Bologna in the summer for £36 million. Zirkzee’s volley not only secured the win but also eased the pressure on Rasmus Hojlund, who had struggled to find the net in the Premier League the previous season. United supporters were quick to draw comparisons between Zirkzee’s composed finishing and the elegant play of former United star Dimitar Berbatov.
Reflecting on his debut, Zirkzee revealed that manager Erik ten Hag had instructed him to “bring energy” when he entered the game—a task he more than accomplished.
After the match, Zirkzee took to Instagram to express his gratitude, writing, “Great start! 💪🏾⚽️🙏🏾 Thanks are in order!” His post attracted a flood of congratulatory messages, including one from his former Bayern Munich teammate, Jamal Musiala, who had recently vacationed with Zirkzee.
Musiala responded to the post with two fire emojis, showing his support for the Dutch star. Interestingly, Zirkzee had earlier hinted that he had spoken to Musiala about the possibility of joining him at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee’s goal has sparked optimism within the Manchester United camp. His performance has positioned him as a strong contender to start in the upcoming match against Brighton, which will be played away from home.
Zirkzee’s absence from the preseason tour due to his late transfer meant he missed out on crucial game time, leading to his initial place on the bench. However, his impactful debut suggests that he could play a key role in United’s upcoming fixtures as they aim to build on this promising start.
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