Erik Ten Hag says Man United will take huge belief from their late winner against Fulham.
Ten Hag summoned new signing Joshua Zirkzee off the bench an hour in as the Premier League returned after an 89-day break.
The 23-year-old Dutchman then steered home a volley to win it after 87 minutes to give United a winning start and a clean sheet at Old Trafford.
Job done ➕3️⃣#MUFC || #MUNFUL pic.twitter.com/TZNKYKZNnj
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 16, 2024
Speaking to Sky Sports, Ten Hag said: “Subs are always important and it was good to see in the first game that you bring a sub on and he scores the winner.
“Everyone sees how important subs are and they have to be ready.
“Scoring for a striker is important and he should be where he was, but he has more qualities and he has to get the right balance.
“He has to be arriving in the box to get the finishes, but we also want him to link up. We have some great midfielders around him to make up combinations.”
There were spells when the Cotttagers threatened to repeat their 2-1 win at Old Trafford from last January but United weathered the storm and Tan Hag’s main gripe was they failed to finish their chances – in particular two for Bruno Fernandes and another from Mason Mount.
“Fulham is always a difficult game, but we defended and pressed very well,” he said.
“After 10 minutes we found our spell in the game and we kept them under pressure. We created a lot of chances and we should have scored earlier and that is the only criticism of the team – kill in the box.
“First game, but it is good to strengthen the belief. I have seen many spaces where we have to improve but that is normal.”
United fielded six different defenders during the course of the match with Matthijs de Ligt coming off the bench in the closing stages after his former Bayern Munich teammate Noussair Mazraoui started at right-back.
“Two seasons ago (we had) the most clean sheets in the Premier League,” Ten Hag said. “When we have a consistent back four we will defend properly. If you don’t have a consistent back four the gaps will come.
“I know Noussair Mazraoui. He is a great defender, but he is very composed on the ball – when he gets 100% fit he can do much more. He has to build his fitness.”
