EPL: Joshua Zirkzee the hero as Man U secures late victory over Fulham

By Okezie Omorogie

Manchester United kicked off the 2024/2025 Premier League season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham on Friday, August 16th, 2024, at Old Trafford. In a tense match that appeared destined for a goalless draw, substitute Joshua Zirkzee netted a late winner to secure three points for the Red Devils.

The summer signing from Bologna, who had missed United’s pre-season after representing the Netherlands in Euro 2024, made an instant impact in his debut. Coming on in the 61st minute, Zirkzee connected with a cross from fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho in the 87th minute, slotting the ball past Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno to seal the victory.

Old Trafford was buzzing with excitement before kick-off, as the club unveiled its four summer signings. Despite the feel-good atmosphere, Fulham, led by a strong performance from Adama Traore, showed no signs of intimidation. Traore’s surging run down the right flank was cut out early by United debutant Noussair Mazraoui, and the match quickly turned into a series of attack and counterattacks.

United’s Amad Diallo had a penalty appeal waved away, and Fulham responded with a powerful 25-yard effort from Kenny Tete, which was tipped over the bar by United goalkeeper Andre Onana. The first half ended without a goal, despite United coming close several times through captain Bruno Fernandes, who was twice denied by Leno’s sharp reflexes.

The second half saw both teams exchange half-chances, with Fulham posing a particular threat on the break. Former United midfielder Andreas Pereira played a key role in several of Fulham’s counter-attacks, but Lisandro Martinez was steadfast in defense, cutting out dangerous passes in key moments.

As the clock ticked down, it appeared that the match would end in a stalemate. However, United’s resilience paid off in the closing minutes. Garnacho, who had been lively since coming on, delivered a precise cross from the right, and Zirkzee stretched to prod the ball home in front of an ecstatic Stretford End.

There was almost time for a second goal when Marcus Rashford set up Garnacho in stoppage time following an error by Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, but the Argentine somehow missed an open goal. Nonetheless, Zirkzee’s late strike was enough to secure United’s opening-night triumph and provide manager Erik ten Hag with a positive start to the new campaign.