Zirkzee, who price £36.5 million ($47 million) to signal from Bologna final month, was not match for the sport and solely appeared for the final 30 minutes, as per AFP.
The Dutch worldwide’s header of Alejandro Garnacho’s cross on minute 87 spared the Purple Devils from a depressing night at Previous Trafford in Manchester.
“To win right here in my first dwelling sport and to seize a aim, it could not be higher,” mentioned Zirkzee.
“I have been advised (scoring on the Stretford Finish) is among the greatest emotions at Manchester United. I am so grateful and blessed I might expertise it in my first sport. It is an incredible feeling.”
Because of his FA Cup victory, United supervisor Erik ten Hag made it by means of the conclusion of the earlier season regardless of putting seventh within the Premier League.
After a efficiency that hauntingly reminded of lots of the video games from final season, it stays to be seen if that stunning victory over rivals and English champions Manchester Metropolis in Could possibly a springboard.
“I’ve seen many areas the place now we have to enhance however that’s regular,” mentioned Ten Hag. “It (the win) is nice to strengthen the assumption.”
With vital gamers out as a consequence of damage or lack of match health, the Dutchman mentioned the night time earlier than the sport that his crew was “not prepared” for the brand new season, and it confirmed.
In Rasmus Hojlund‘s absence, Bruno Fernandes started as a middle ahead, and Zirkzee, who returned to preseason late after Euro 2024, was on the bench.
This week, Noussair Mazraoui, who joined from Bayern Munich, was thrust into the beginning lineup at left again.
Although it appeared if Ten Hag and the winger had made up, Jadon Sancho was ignored of the beginning lineup.
Throughout a disastrous season for United, Fulham defeated them at Previous Trafford in February of final yr for the primary time in 20 years.
Within the first twenty minutes, the guests appeared unfazed as Andre Onana did job of maintaining Kenny Tete’s dipping try from discovering the highest nook.
Nonetheless, United steadied themselves after a sluggish begin.
Mason Mount had not scored a aim since leaving Chelsea simply over a yr in the past, however twice Fernandes blew wonderful alternatives by taking pictures too close to to Bernd Leno. This time, the German goalkeeper stretched himself fantastically to disclaim Mason Mount a uncommon aim.
“We created lots of possibilities and we should always have scored earlier,” added Ten Hag. “That’s the solely criticism of the crew: kill within the field!”
Searching for a winner, Ten Hag seemed to Garnacho and Zirkzee, who had been sitting on the bench.
By doing so, Fulham had the chance to win one other historic three factors on the Theatre of Goals, and United left themselves susceptible.
Alex Iwobi misplaced the chance to run clear by means of on aim as a consequence of Andreas Pereira’s shoddy move.
Shortly after, Lisandro Martinez prevented a aim from being scored by clearing a dangerous low cross from Pereira.
Somewhat, the house crew took dwelling all three factors.
Zirkzee was in a position to get a toe on Garnacho’s poorly-hit ball from the appropriate to deflect it previous Leno and into the far nook.
After Marcus Rashford’s selfless ball, Garnacho had an open aim to intention at in stoppage time, and United ought to have had a second.
Nonetheless, United managed to carry on and provides Ten Hag the much-needed profitable begin.
