Erik Ten Hag on Joshua Zirkzee’s winning goal on Manchester United’s First Premier League Match

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes Joshua Zirkzee’s debut goal will ‘strengthen the belief’ after helping them beat Fulham.

The Red Devils opened the new Premier League season with a 1-0 victory against the west Londoners at Old Trafford, with Zirkzee coming off the bench to score in the final five minutes.

The Dutch striker showed the world what he was all about with the goal, first dropping into midfield to link play and move possession to the wing, before arriving in the box to prod the ball into the bottom corner with an outstretched toe.

Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Ten Hag was pleased for his new multitalented forward.

“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,” Ten Hag said.

“First game, but it is good to strengthen the belief. I have seen many spaces where we have to improve but that is normal.”

Ten Hag was able to change the game on Friday from the bench, which is a luxury he was scarcely able to enjoy during the 2023/24 season due to United’s injury crisis.

“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,” he said. “Everyone sees how important subs are and they have to be ready.

“Against Fulham it is always a difficult game, but we defended and pressed very well. 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.

“Two season ago [we had] the most clean sheets in the Premier League. 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 like this. He is a great defender, but he is very composed on the ball – he is not in full condition, when he gets 100% fitness he can do much more. He has to build his fitness.”