Manchester United and Joshua Zirkzee kicked off their Premier League campaign in nervy but deserved fashion with a 1-0 win vs Fulham at Old Trafford.
Fulham surprisingly started the first half on the front foot as United struggled to grow into the game in the face of their crisp passing. However, outside of Tete’s shot, which woke United up, there was nothing to fear.
nited squandered two golden opportunities via their captain to go into the first half goalless despite having the best chances of the half.
It was more of the same in the second half as United created some big chances but kept squandering them, this time Mason Mount being the prime culprit. With the clock ticking down towards a frustrating draw, Joshua Zirkzee latched into Alejandro Garnacho’s pass to put United in the lead.
Andre Onana – 7
Had one key save to make from Tete’s deceptively smart shot which he did successfully. A more involved part of the buildup and some proactive throwing showed positives in his game.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Grew into the game but Mazraoui on the right meant Dalot had to shift to his “wrong” side as the left-back. Dependable.
Harry Maguire – 8
Assertive in aerial duels, saved a 2 vs 1 scenario, and tried to carry the ball forward as well. Easy to presume Matthijs de Ligt will be preferred over him but did no harm to his own prospects here.
Lisandro Martinez – 6.5
Got skinned by Adama Traore at the beginning but was determined to not let it happen again. Elicited the crowd’s biggest cheer when he shrugged off Traore the second time. Dealt with danger well.
Noussair Mazraoui – 8
United’s best player and was to thank for the team not conceding early. Cut a dangerous pass to Traore when everyone was caught off guard and was extremely comfortable on the ball. Great debut overall and a clear upgrade on Wan-Bissaka for now.
Casemiro – 7
He might not be the same tour de force in defence of the first season at United but going forward and pressing high, he looks inspired. Was the key threat from set-pieces and created the best chance of first half with a slide rule pass for Fernandes.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5
Showed some nifty footwork on a couple of occasions and was visibly better in the defensive phase as well. Nobody should be worried about his displays by now.
Mason Mount – 5
He does a lot of little things well but doesn’t stand out in one particular area. Pressed coherently, played some nice passes but missed the chance to make a direct impact when he fluffed a clear-cut chance in the second half.
Bruno Fernandes -6
Not a good start for the captain after signing a contract extension as he missed two clear-cut chances in the first half that should have had United in the lead. Buzzing about otherwise.
Amad – 6.5
Was the most electric of an average bunch as he tried to make things happen, be it through dribbling or his off the ball movement. End product was lacking.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Worked hard and grew into the game in the second half which was admirable but the killer instinct of his best version remains missing.
Substitutes
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
Tried to add thrust to the attack with his trademark directness and dribbling and made an impact in the second game in a row when he assisted Zirkzee’s goal. Had an embarrassing miss in injury time.
Joshua Zirkzee – 7.5
His unique playing style means there could be a long acclimatising period but in the meantime, scoring goals will do nicely! A clinical finish in the far corner after getting at the end of Garnacho’s cross.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
Came on late to get some minutes in his legs and saw the game out without much fuss.
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