Zirkzee, who cost £36.5 million ($47 million) to sign from Bologna last month, was not fit for the game and only appeared for the last 30 minutes, as per AFP.
The Dutch international’s header of Alejandro Garnacho’s cross on minute 87 spared the Red Devils from a miserable evening at Old Trafford in Manchester.
“To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better,” said Zirkzee.
“I’ve been told (scoring at the Stretford End) is one of the best feelings at Manchester United. I’m so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Thanks to his FA Cup victory, United manager Erik ten Hag made it through the conclusion of the previous season despite placing seventh in the Premier League.
After a performance that hauntingly reminded of many of the games from last season, it remains to be seen if that shocking victory over rivals and English champions Manchester City in May maybe a springboard.
“I have seen many spaces where we have to improve but that is normal,” said Ten Hag. “It (the win) is good to strengthen the belief.”
With important players out due to injury or lack of match fitness, the Dutchman said the night before the game that his team was “not ready” for the new season, and it showed.
In Rasmus Hojlund‘s absence, Bruno Fernandes began as a center forward, 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 starting lineup at left back.
Even though it seemed if Ten Hag and the winger had made up, Jadon Sancho was left out of the starting lineup.
During a disastrous season for United, Fulham defeated them at Old Trafford in February of last year for the first time in 20 years.
In the first twenty minutes, the visitors seemed unfazed as Andre Onana did a good job of keeping Kenny Tete’s dipping attempt from finding the top corner.
However, United steadied themselves after a sluggish start.
Mason Mount had not scored a goal since leaving Chelsea just over a year ago, but twice Fernandes blew excellent opportunities by shooting too near to Bernd Leno. This time, the German goalkeeper stretched himself superbly to deny Mason Mount a rare goal.
“We created a lot of chances and we should have scored earlier,” added Ten Hag. “That is the only criticism of the team: kill in the box!”
Seeking a winner, Ten Hag looked to Garnacho and Zirkzee, who were sitting on the bench.
By doing so, Fulham had the opportunity to win another historic three points at the Theatre of Dreams, and United left themselves vulnerable.
Alex Iwobi lost the opportunity to run clean through on goal due to Andreas Pereira’s shoddy pass.
Shortly after, Lisandro Martinez prevented a goal from being scored by clearing a risky low cross from Pereira.
Rather, the home team took home all three points.
Zirkzee was able to get a toe on Garnacho’s poorly-hit ball from the right to deflect it past Leno and into the far corner.
After Marcus Rashford’s selfless ball, Garnacho had an open goal to aim at in stoppage time, and United should have had a second.
However, United managed to hold on and give Ten Hag the much-needed winning start.
