Joshua Zirkzee claimed his Man United debut could not have gone better after netting a late winner to see-off Fulham.
The 23-year-old arrived from Bologna on a five-year deal last month and immediately began repaying his £36.5m transfer fee after coming off the bench with half an hour to go.
Ladies and gentlemen: Joshua Zirkzee.#MUFC || #MUNFUL pic.twitter.com/0Wmvj3D9CW
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 16, 2024
The Dutchman spread the ball wide to the right and then ghosted into the box to meet Alejandro’s cross with a first-time volley into the bottom corner at the Stretford End to settle the opening Premier League game of the season.
He told Sky Sports: “To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better.
“I’ve been told (scoring at that end) is one of the best feelings at Man Utd. I’m so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Zirkzee had to watch the opening hour from the bench as Erik Ten Hag opted for a line-up with no recognised striker, with Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes taking turns to occupy a false-nine position.
“The manager told me to bring an energy and help the team as much as possible, just that.
“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,” Zirkzee said.
“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. It is a huge club. You should always strive for the best. That includes day by day giving 100%, that’s the plan. It’s all good vibes.”
