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Zirkzee's Late Heroics Ignite Manchester United's Premier League Campaign with Victory Over Fulham

Manchester United got their Premier League campaign off to a promising start with a dramatic late 1-0 victory over Fulham, thanks to debutant Joshua Zirkzee’s 87th-minute goal. The £36.5 million summer signing from Bologna stepped off the bench to deliver a moment of magic, securing three crucial points for Erik ten Hag’s side in front of a jubilant Old Trafford crowd.

The relief was evident as Ten Hag celebrated the winner with both fists clenched, knowing how much the result meant after a challenging preseason. United struggled to convert their chances for most of the match, with Bruno Fernandes deployed as a false nine. Despite the pressure, it was Zirkzee who emerged as the hero, providing a much-needed spark and focal point in attack when introduced in the 61st minute.

Ten Hag was quick to praise his new striker, saying, "It’s important for a striker to get off the mark quickly, and Zirkzee did exactly that. The win is satisfying, especially at the start of the season. We’re still not fully up to speed, but this is a foundation we can build on."

United dominated possession but lacked cutting edge for large parts of the match. Fernandes had two clear chances in the first half, only to be denied by Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno. In the second half, Mason Mount, looking to impress in his first start of the season, saw his shot blocked after a fine pass from Marcus Rashford. The frustration grew, and the home fans’ tension was palpable as the minutes ticked away without a breakthrough.

Defensively, there were some nervous moments as Lisandro Martínez cleared a dangerous ball off the line to keep the game level. But Zirkzee’s introduction changed the game’s dynamic, giving United a physical presence in the box and an outlet for their build-up play. The goal came when Zirkzee dropped deep to link up with Casemiro before surging into the box to meet Alejandro Garnacho’s cross with a composed finish across Leno.

"It’s a striker’s goal," said Ten Hag. "He showed exactly the attributes we brought him in for – good link-up play and a killer instinct in the box. It’s a great way to start his United career."

The victory offers a stark contrast to last season’s struggles, where United often failed to capitalize on similar opportunities. However, Ten Hag will know there is still much work to be done. United fans will be hoping Zirkzee’s goal is a sign of better things to come as the team aims to improve on last season’s disappointing eighth-place finish.

With Rasmus Højlund still recovering from injury, Zirkzee’s impact provides a timely boost and shows that United might have found the solution to their goal-scoring woes. Alongside new signings Noussair Mazraoui and André Onana, who impressed in defense, United’s fresh faces gave a glimpse of the positive changes to come.

As United prepare for the challenges ahead, this narrow victory will do much to build confidence and optimism, reminding everyone of the fine margins that can define a season. For now, though, Zirkzee’s debut goal is the headline, offering hope that this season could be different for the Red Devils.

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