Manchester United 1-0 Fulham (Zirkzee 87′)
OLD TRAFFORD — Getting the excuses in before the game, even for a manager very keen to absolve himself of the blame, was novel, but it seems Erik ten Hag was right to highlight the start of the new Premier League season has come too quickly for Manchester United.
New co-owners, executives with the footballing acumen worthy of one of the biggest clubs in the world and new signings galore ensured hope sprang eternal around Old Trafford on a gloriously sunny Manchester evening.
But as has been the case for much of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, a late bolt out of the blue, a moment that felt even sweeter given it was via the boot of new signing Joshua Zirkzee, earned a sluggish United a victory that looked like it was never going to come. It’s like the Premier League never went away at Old Trafford.
Other than head honcho Sir Jim Ratcliffe, all the big-hitting executives were in attendance to see how Ten Hag would get his stay of execution, which many feel his contract extension was, under way.
Even much-maligned majority shareholder Avram Glazer, for remarkably only the third time in the past five years, took his spot in the directors’ box. He in particular would have enjoyed the loudest terrace chant in the first half, a popular number around these parts: “We want the Glazers out.”
New signing Noussair Mazraoui was handed his first start, with other new boys Matthijs de Ligt and Zirkzee on the bench. Pointedly, despite supposedly patching things up with Ten Hag, Jadon Sancho was not named in the squad, with no word as to why.
Plenty of fresh faces and a new 4-2-2-2 system brought optimism, but the first half left home supporters with more of a sense of déjà vu, as just like last season, United struggled to break down their opponent at home.
WHAT A MOMENT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 16, 2024
Joshua Zirkzee scores on his Manchester United debut!pic.twitter.com/EP8Fzkj5BL
Bruno Fernandes really should have scored from two gilt-edged openings, but other than that, long-range efforts were all the home side could muster. Andre Onana’s early flying save to deny Kenny Tete was the save of the half.
Mason Mount, with much to prove after injury-ravaged first season in Manchester last term, then went close early in the second half, but the general play was still far too laboured.
Further Groundhog Day moments quickly presented themselves as United were outnumbered on numerous counter attacks, with their midfield bypassed as if it wasn’t there. A better final pass on several occasions would have seen Fulham clean through.
Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho were flung on to try and galvanise the lead-footed hosts, but further errant passes had the more pessimistic heading for an early exit.
The substitute pair, however, had the final say, with Garnacho squaring for Zirkzee to send Old Trafford into raptures.
A new hero around M16? On this evidence, Zirkzee and his fellow new arrivals have a job on their hands to instigate real change at Old Trafford.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/Mz3SYg6
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