Erik ten Hag has outlined what he wants from Joshua Zirkzee after the forward marked his Manchester United debut with the winning goal against Fulham.
United opened their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford, as the Red Devils scored late to begin their season with three points.
Bruno Fernandes had been guilty of missing the best chances for Manchester United, including a close-range effort saved well by Bernd Leno. Fulham, meanwhile, had chances of their own on the counter attack with Lisandro Martinez making a vital interception to clear a dangerous cross Andreas Pereira from inside the six-yard box.
United improved following the introductions of Alejandro Garnacho and Zirkzee from the bench and the substitutes combined for the decisive moment. After spreading the ball wide to the right flank, Zirkzee ghosted into the box to prod home Garnacho’s cross in the 87th minute for a debut goal.
Ten Hag was delighted with the impact of the forward, who became the fourth Dutchman to score on his Manchester United debut.
“Scoring for a striker is important and he should be where he was, 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,” Ten Hag said to Sky Sports.
“First game, but it is good to strengthen the belief. I have seen many spaces where we have to improve but that is normal.”
The Manchester United manager was delighted to start the season with a win and hopes the result can instil belief into his side.
“Subs are always important and it was good to see in the first game that you bring a sub on and he scores the winner.
“Everyone sees how important subs are and they have to be ready.
“Against Fulham it is always a difficult game, but we defended and pressed very well. After 10 minutes we found our spell in the game and we kept them under pressure. We created a lot of chances and we should have scored earlier and that is the only criticism of the team – kill in the box.
“Two season ago [we had] the most clean sheets in the Premier League. When we have a consistent back four we will defend properly. If you don’t have a consistent back four the gaps will come.”
