He saved my job tonight plz help me thank him – Eric Ten Hag happy with Joshua Zirkzee after memorable debut performance
Manchester United vs Fulham 1-0: English Premier League – as it happened
By Kevin Hand and Rohan Sharma
Published On 16 Aug 2024
16 Aug 2024
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This page is now closed. Thanks for joining us. These were the updates as Manchester United beat Fulham in the Premier League on Friday, August 16:
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6h ago (21:59 GMT)
It’s a wrap
The 2024/25 Premier League opens with United securing a late 1-0 result against Fulham to pick up three valuable points from the outset.
Fulham will look to lick their wounds and regroup against Leicester on August 24.
United will next play Brighton on the same day, which should be a tantalising prospect.
We hope you enjoyed our coverage of today’s encounter, and do stay tuned as Al Jazeera continues to cover all the biggest matches this season.
Next up it’s Ipswich Town against Liverpool on Saturday. Do join us for that one, if you can.
On behalf of Kevin Hand, this is Rohan Sharma signing off.
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6h ago (21:42 GMT)
‘Really tough for us to lose this way’
Fulham manager Silva provided his post-match views to Sky Sports: “It is really tough for us to lose this game the way we lost.
“The game had different moments. We started really well, [but] I think the first two dangerous moments were from ourselves.
“The first one we should have scored [from] a really dangerous attack.
“After 20 minutes, [there was a] good reaction from Manchester United.
“We adjusted at half-time, and the second half was much better in my opinion.
“We had so many moments and we were punished at the end of the game.
“It was a crazy game and we did not play our own game.
“It was an emotional game – we tried to rush many, many times.
“We did not get the points I thought we deserved,” he said.
“Of course, when you have [a] two against one [situation], you should at least finalise the action and put your teammates in the right action.
“But it was not just that one. We had other really good moments and should have scored.
“We have to keep the emotional control in these types of games.
“We know they are strong and want to play this type of game.
“It’s always their strength when the game is broken and the space is there.
“We should have kept the balance and emotional control.
“But it was a good answer from the team overall, we just didn’t get the points I think we should have.
“It was a tough summer, when you lose five players – four of them starting players. But I knew the players were good enough to play in this way.”
Fulham’s head coach Marco Silva gestures at left as Manchester United’s head coach Erik ten Hag picks up the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, in Manchester, England. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Fulham’s head coach Marco Silva gestures as Manchester United’s head coach Erik ten Hag picks up the ball during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham [Dave Thompson/AP Photo]
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6h ago (21:32 GMT)
‘Today we had a good connection with the team, subs and fans’
Martinez, who slotted in as left back for United today, gave his thoughts: “It’s really important [to win], but the most important is the three points. It’s a good start and still, we have to improve a lot. It is difficult to play for this big club. Big pressure [on us] but we love that.
“We have to play in a positive way. We have to take that pressure. It’s difficult to play for this big club, but we love that and we have to take that pressure and responsibility. Today we had a good connection with the team, subs and fans. I am really proud to play for this club. I didn’t play many games as left-back, but as a player, you have to give alternatives to [the] team. If the team needs me, I will be there.
“Really difficult to play against this opponent. We have to concentrate and not lose focus. It is [about the] small details, but in [the] Premier League, those small details make a big difference. As a player, we are ready for criticism. If you make excuses, you are not ready for this club,” he told Sky Sports.
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6h ago (21:27 GMT)
Photos: The winning goal for Zirkzee
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United scores his team’s first goal whilst under pressure from Calvin Bassey of Fulham during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Fulham FC at Old Trafford on August 16, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United scores his team’s first goal while under pressure from Calvin Bassey of Fulham [Michael Regan/Getty Images]
Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester United v Fulham – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – August 16, 2024 Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee celebrates scoring their first goal with Marcus Rashford REUTERS/Molly Darlington EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR ‘LIVE’ SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..
Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee celebrates scoring their first goal with Marcus Rashford [Molly Darlington/Reuters]
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Marcus Rashford during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Fulham FC at Old Trafford on August 16, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United celebrates scoring his goal with teammate Marcus Rashford [Michael Regan/Getty Images]
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6h ago (21:19 GMT)
‘It is just the first game, but good to see the belief and confidence in the team’
United coach ten Hag shared his views post-match with Sky Sports: “Subs are always very important [referring to Zirkzee’s winner]. It was good to see in the first game. You bring him in and he scores in the first game.
“It helps the spirit of the group. Shows the subs that they have to be ready [for anything]. Against Fulham, it is always a difficult game. We pressed really well. After 10-12 minutes we found our spell in the game and kept them under pressure.
“They couldn’t come out of the pressure which was good. We created a lot of chances and should have scored earlier. That is my only criticism of the team – [we] need to be better in the box. Always very important [regarding keeping the clean sheet]. Two seasons ago, we had the most clean sheets in the league,” he said.
“When we have a consistent back four, we can defend more properly. If you don’t have a consistent back four, with no patterns or routines, then the gaps will show. Mazraoui is a great defender and very calm on the ball. Very pleased with his performance. He just needs to build his fitness. It is just the first game, but good to see the belief and confidence in the team. Not only to win, but the performance as well.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Fulham FC at Old Trafford on August 16, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Fulham FC at Old Trafford [Michael Regan/Getty Images]
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7h ago (21:14 GMT)
‘To win in my first home game and grab a goal, it couldn’t be better’
The goal-scorer, who was also adjudged Player of the Match: “To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better.
“I’ve been told it is one of the best feelings to score in front of the Stretford End, so I am thankful and blessed to experience it in the first game. It’s an amazing feeling,” he said. “At the end of the day, we got the win. It is what the fans deserved. The squad is very nice, and [I] feel very warmly [welcomed] here. It’s a good team and we want to achieve something great.
“It’s been a dream. Just taking it in day by day. Just want to help the team as much as possible. Manchester is a huge club, so need to always strive for the best. That means giving it my 100 percent, which is the plan.”
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7h ago (21:07 GMT)
Zirkzee named Player of the Match
What a debut for Zirkzee. He is named Player of the Match for his goal.
Manchester United’s new signing Joshua Zirkzee runs during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, in Manchester, England. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester United’s new signing Joshua Zirkzee runs during his English Premier League debut [Dave Thompson/AP]
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7h ago (21:02 GMT)
Zirkzee joins illustrious list
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7h ago (21:00 GMT)
Zirkzee scores on debut!
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7h ago (20:55 GMT)
Full-time: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham
Zirkzee rescues United with a late goal to ensure they start off the 2024/25 season with three points at home.
Fulham will feel hard done by the Dutchman’s effort, as they would happily have taken the single point today.
United were the better team, but considering the opposition, they should have converted on a few more chances.
Full-time: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham
