“They deserve the Man of the match more than me. They are the real reason we won that match and I’m so glad to be in the same team as them” – This is according to Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee as he praises two underrated players of the Match against Fulham as he scores on his debut to win the whole match.

Manchester United and Joshua Zirkzee began their Premier League season with a tense but well-earned 1-0 victory against Fulham at Old Trafford.

 

Fulham surprisingly dominated the early stages, with United struggling to find their rhythm against Fulham’s sharp passing. However, apart from a shot from Tete that served as a wake-up call for United, there was little cause for concern.

United wasted two prime opportunities through their captain, resulting in a goalless first half despite having the best chances.

The pattern continued into the second half as United generated more clear-cut opportunities but failed to capitalize, with Mason Mount being the main offender this time.

As the match seemed destined for a frustrating draw, Joshua Zirkzee connected with a pass from Alejandro Garnacho to give United the lead.

Here are the player ratings:

**Andre Onana – 7**
Made one crucial save from Tete’s clever shot, which he handled well. He was more involved in the buildup play and showed positive signs with his proactive throwing.

**Diogo Dalot – 6**
Improved as the game progressed but had to switch to left-back due to Mazraoui playing on the right, which is not his preferred side. Reliable performance.

**Harry Maguire – 8**
Dominant in aerial battles, rescued a 2 vs 1 situation, and also attempted to advance the ball forward. While Matthijs de Ligt is likely to be the first choice, Maguire did his prospects no harm with this display.

**Lisandro Martinez – 6.5**

Started shakily after being outpaced by Adama Traoré but quickly adapted and made sure it didn’t happen again. Earned the crowd’s biggest cheer when he successfully shrugged off Traoré the next time. Handled the danger well overall.

 

**Noussair Mazraoui – 8**

United’s standout performer and crucial in preventing an early goal. He cut out a dangerous pass to Traoré when the team was caught off guard and showed great composure on the ball. An excellent debut and currently a clear upgrade over Wan-Bissaka.

 

**Casemiro – 7**

While not the defensive powerhouse of his first season at United, he was inspired when pressing high and moving forward. A key threat from set-pieces, he also created the best chance of the first half with a precise pass to Fernandes.

 

**Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5**

Displayed impressive footwork on a few occasions and improved defensively as well. His performance should leave no one concerned.

 

**Mason Mount – 5**

He does many things well but lacks a standout skill. Pressed effectively, made some good passes, but missed a crucial chance to make a direct impact by fluffing a clear-cut opportunity in the second half.

 

**Bruno Fernandes – 6**

Not the best start as captain after signing his contract extension, missing two clear-cut chances in the first half that could have given United the lead. Active otherwise but lacked finishing.

 

**Amad – 6.5**

The most lively of an average attacking group, always trying to make things happen with dribbling and movement off the ball. However, the end product was missing.

 

**Marcus Rashford – 6**

Worked hard and improved in the second half, but the sharpness of his best form is still missing.

 

**Substitutes**

 

**Alejandro Garnacho – 7**

Injected energy into the attack with his directness and dribbling, making an impact for the second game in a row by assisting Zirkzee’s goal. Had a notable miss in injury time.

 

**Joshua Zirkzee – 7.5**

His unique playing style might require some adjustment, but scoring goals will help in the meantime! Finished clinically in the far corner after connecting with Garnacho’s cross.

 

**Matthijs de Ligt – 6**

Came on late to get some playing time and helped see out the game without any issues.

 

**Jonny Evans – 6**

Came on alongside de Ligt, playing a similar role in securing the result.

 

**Scott McTominay – 6**

Ten Hag’s final roll of the dice to spark a late goal, and he created the chaos that led to Zirkzee’s strike.