Before netting his first Manchester United goal, Joshua Zirkzee shares what Erik ten Hag told him. Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee celebrates with Marcus Rashford after his team’s first goal. Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee celebrates with Marcus Rashford after his team’s first goal. After scoring on his debut at Old Trafford, Joshua Zirkzee declared that his start at Manchester United has been a “dream.”

The United forward scored the only goal of the game after coming on as a substitute to claim victory over Fulham in the opening match of the Premier League. Zirzkee was one of three players to make their debut alongside Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt after completing a £36million transfer earlier this summer.

The former Bologna forward slowed his run to first collect the ball in a deeper position before passing it on in the 87th minute. The Dutchman then continued into the box to smartly finish Alejandro Garnacho’s shot with a first time finish.

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Joshua Zirkzee nets late debut goal to give Man Utd win over Fulham – 5 talking points](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/manutd-fulham-joshua-zirkzee-debut-33482522)

“To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better,” he told Sky Sports.

“I’ve been told [scoring at the Stretford End] is one of the best feelings at Man Utd. I’m so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It’s an amazing feeling.

“At the end of the day we got the win, that’s all we wanted. I can’t really explain the feeling, it’s just very nice. I feel very warm here. It’s a great team. We want to achieve something great. It’s been amazing, it’s been a dream actually.

: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United celebrates

“The manager told me to bring an energy and help the team as much as possible, just that.

“Manchester United is a huge club. You should always strive for the best. That includes day by day giving 100%, that’s the plan. It’s all good vibes.”

United boss Ten Hag was impressed with his new striker’s efforts and believes that scoring is a positive first step for Zirkzee. The 54-year-old has already spotted areas for the forward to improve however.

“Scoring for a striker is important and he should be where he was,” he said. “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.

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

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