Substitute Joshua Zirkzee scores late debut winner as Man Utd see off Fulham

Joshua Zirkzee enjoyed a dream debut as the summer signing came off the bench to earn Manchester United a late victory in Friday’s Premier League opener against Fulham.

After a summer of speculation and change behind the scenes, Erik ten Hag – retained after winning the FA Cup against Manchester City – wanted to start the season with a bang at a packed Old Trafford.

United showed promise in patches but looked set to be frustrated by Marco Silva’s Fulham, only for Zirkzee to turn in a cross from fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho in a late 1-0 win.

The Netherlands international did not play a minute of United’s pre-season friendlies, having arrived late following Euro 2024 and his 61st-minute introduction proved inspired.

Zirkzee, signed from Bologna, was brought on as part of a double change alongside Garnacho, whose cross he prodded home to secure an opening-night triumph in the 87th minute.