MW1 (8.16.24)

Man Utd 1 Fulham 0 FT

Goals: Zirkzee ‘87 (Garnacho)

On the heels of a late-winner by debutant Joshua Zirkzee, Manchester United has defeated Fulham 1-Nil at Old Trafford to begin the 2024-25 Premier League season.

THE POSITIVES

— I thought United was skillful and organized defensively. Anytime they were caught out in transition, UTD was fit and in-the-know enough to stop impending danger. Martinez and Maguire has some impactful tackles and clearances throughout. Onana did what he had to do to keep the ball out of the net. I thought the defensive midfield was stout when it needed to be. Casemiro created both 1H chances. Noussair Mazraoui had a fine debut…92% pass accuracy and 7 passes into the final third, via Statman Dave on X.

— What a debut from Joshua Zirkzee. By now, surely you’ve seen the goal. Just an outstanding display of football IQ to know where the danger area is and outstanding foot dexterity to guide the ball to net in such awkward position. Class.

— I thought the compete level was there throughout, even with the negatives. The late winner and three points give UTD something to build on.

— Kobbie Mainoo is something special.

THE NEGATIVES

— For 86 minutes, offensively, that was a tough watch. I thought UTD was wasteful in-front of net. I didn’t sense much creativity or premium placed on scoring for much of the match. Felt like a remix of last season for much of this joust. Thankfully, the negatives are for naught, for now, as Man Utd gets the W and 3 points. Next.

FINAL TAKE

They don’t apologize for wins in the Premier League and I won’t start now. Some excellent debuts. Some class performances. It’s a W at Old Trafford and 3 points as Man Utd moves on to face Brighton (away) next Saturday.

REFERENCES

• NBC Sports
• USA Network
• Manchester United
• X