3️⃣ things we learned as new boy Zirkzee gets Man Utd off to winning start | OneFootball

Manchester United left it late to record a 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford in the opening game of the Premier League season.

Here is what we made of it.

New man Zirkzee adds much needed firepower

The majority of this game looked like the same old story for Manchester United. Plenty of creativity in the middle of the park, but let down in the final third.

Just as Erik ten Hag’s side looking to be heading for a draw, the Dutchman introduced new signing Joshua Zirkzee in the 61st minute.

The 23-year-old had grabbed the headlines at Bologna last season, scoring 11 goals in 34 Serie A appearances, and United had captured his signature hoping he would put an end to their striker woes.

Tonight, it was a case of so far, so good, as he was the difference-maker, netting the winner in the 87th minute.

Zirkzee became the 15th Dutchman to score on his Premier League debut, and the fourth at Old Trafford to do so, joining assistant boss Ruud van Nistelrooy on that list.

It took him just seven touches to find the back of the net.

Mainoo continues where he left off

It feels like Kobbie Mainoo has been around for ages now, but in actual fact the 19-year-old was making just his 26th appearance in the Premier League.

Since last season, the Man Utd youth product has got to a major tournament final with England, and once again his class shone through this evening.

His 13 duels won in the middle of the park was the most of any player in the game, as was his figure of five interceptions.

Mainoo compounded that with the most successful take-ons (four), three accurate long balls, six ball recoveries and 68 touches of the ball.

The youngster has every single element needed for an elite modern midfielder, and it seems that Man United fans might be talking about him even more this season.

No dream debut for Smith Rowe

Fulham might well feel aggrieved to be travelling back to the capital with nothing this evening, as they made it to 87 minutes without conceding a goal at Old Trafford.

Man United’s debutant took his chance to shine for his new side, but there wasn’t to be a fairy tale start for Emile Smith Rowe.

After 14 years at Arsenal, the 24-year-old made the difficult decision to move on to Fulham in search of increased playing time, and not only did he fail to score, there were a lot more zeros to add to his stats sheet.

Smith-Rowe failed to touch the ball in the box, delivered no accurate crosses, no dribbles and no chances created.

Tomorrow’s another day, eh Emile?