I dedicate my Man of the Match award to Him,He works tirelessly to earn us that point yesterday and I’m not going to overlook His performance”, Joshua Zirkzee reveals the only Man United player that was the Key factor towards their success yesterday – Not Fernandez and Not Garnacho.
Manchester United kicked off their Premier League season with a closely contested 1-0 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday night. The match was intense and fiercely competitive, with United ultimately securing the win by the narrowest of margins. From the beginning, it was evident that both teams were ready for a tough encounter, but United managed to create more scoring opportunities. However, Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno, was in exceptional form, repeatedly denying United with a series of critical saves that kept his team in the game.
As the match progressed, the tension mounted, and it seemed United might have to settle for a disappointing draw. But in the 87th minute, Joshua Zirkzee, making his first appearance for the club, finally broke the stalemate. The young striker scored with a well-executed finish, sending Old Trafford into a frenzy. Zirkzee’s goal was the defining moment of the match, earning United all three points and making his debut a memorable one. His standout performance earned him the man of the match award, as he not only scored the crucial goal but also showed maturity and composure throughout the game.
In the final moments of the match, Alejandro Garnacho had a chance to seal the victory. As United pressed forward in stoppage time, Garnacho found himself in a prime position to score but was unable to capitalize on the opportunity. Despite this miss, the night belonged to Zirkzee, whose debut goal will be remembered by United fans for a long time.
While Zirkzee captured the headlines, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo also delivered an outstanding performance. Mainoo was relentless in midfield, displaying energy and determination that set him apart. He won an impressive 13 ground and aerial duels, demonstrating his dominance in physical battles. His passing was equally impressive, with a 90 percent completion rate, including three accurate long balls. Mainoo also excelled in one-on-one situations, successfully completing four take-ons and drawing four fouls from Fulham. His all-around display further cemented his status as one of United’s emerging talents.
After the match, Mainoo expressed his joy on social media, posting a message on Instagram that read, “No place like home.” He also gave a shout-out to Zirkzee, calling him a “hitman,” highlighting the strong team spirit within the squad. Zirkzee responded by praising Mainoo’s leadership on the field, referring to him as the “General.” This mutual respect and support between the two players reflect the positive atmosphere within the United camp.
Manchester United’s performance in this season opener was a notable improvement from their first match of the previous season, where they struggled to a win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a largely forgettable game. This time, United showed greater cohesion and intent, although there are still areas that need improvement. For example, Bruno Fernandes missed two clear chances in the first half that could have given United a more comfortable lead. Garnacho’s miss in stoppage time was another missed opportunity that could have secured the win earlier.
On the other hand, Fulham, while resilient, posed little threat in attack, managing only two shots on target throughout the match. Their lack of creativity, combined with United’s solid defensive organization, prevented them from breaking through. However, one area of concern for United was the occasional gap between their attack and defense, particularly in Casemiro’s positioning. The Brazilian midfielder, who was heavily involved in United’s attack, contributed three shots and created two chances in the first half. However, his defensive duties appeared to suffer, as he lost possession 13 times and was dribbled past on two occasions. This raises questions about whether United might need to bring in another top-quality defensive midfielder to provide competition and depth alongside him.
In summary, Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Fulham was a positive start to their Premier League campaign, with promising signs but also some areas for improvement. The performances of debutant Joshua Zirkzee and the ever-impressive Kobbie Mainoo were particular highlights, offering hope for a successful season ahead for the Red Devils. However, as the season unfolds, United will need to address these gaps in their play if they are to compete for top honors.
