Zirkzee Delights In Superb Man U Debut

By: Gyang Dakwo

Joshua Zirkzee said his Manchester United debut was a “dream” and “we want to achieve something great” after coming off the bench to score a winner in their Premier League opener against Fulham.

The Dutchman arrived from Bologna over the summer after impressing for the Serie A side last season, but was left on the bench for Friday’s curtain-raiser at Old Trafford.

Coming on with half an hour to go, the Netherlands international linked up well with his team-mates before making the decisive breakthrough in the 87th minute by steering home a cross to seal a 1-0 win.

“To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better,” Zirkzee told Sky Sports.

“I’ve been told [scoring at the Stretford End] is one of the best feelings at Man United. I’m so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It’s an amazing feeling.

“At the end of the day, we got the win – that’s all we wanted. I can’t really explain the feeling, it’s just very nice.

“I feel very warm here. It’s a great team. We want to achieve something great. It’s been amazing, it’s been a dream, actually.”

United are coming off a disappointing 2023/24 campaign in which they finished eighth in the Premier League, although FA Cup glory provided a silver lining.

Zirkzee was one of several new recruits brought in to bolster Erik ten Hag’s squad in the off-season, along with fellow opening-day debutants Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, and the 23-year-old striker is upbeat about the future.