Erik ten Hag’s hits and misses as Man Utd nick late win vs Fulham in Prem opener
Manchester United had striker Joshua Zirkzee to thank after Erik ten Hag’s side recorded a 1-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League opener.
The Dutchman, signed from Bologna this summer, scored the only goal of the game late on to earn United all three points at Old Trafford. Despite being the away side, Fulham impressed in parts, and could have taken the lead on multiple occasions had they been more clinical.
However, it was Zirkzee who proved to be the opening day hero for ten Hag and co. The 23-year-old, who started the game on the bench, showed off a couple of quality touches during his second half debut.
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And on 87 minutes, it was Zirkzee who won the game for United, poking home Alejandro Garnacho’s cross past Fulham’s Bernd Leno, who was arguably the best player on the pitch. The German keeper made a number of impressive saves against United, and without him, Fulham would almost certainly have found themselves behind earlier than they did.
Here’s what we made of Erik ten Hag’s decisions at Old Trafford, from what he got right, to what he got wrong…
Not being afraid to blood the new signings
(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Plenty of managers would not risk blooding their new signings after such a short time with their new team. But credit is due for ten Hag, who opted to bring on Joshua Zirkzee for Mason Mount on 61 minutes with his double false nine system not working.
The Dutchman, signed from Bologna, scored the winner against Fulham on 87 minutes with a brilliantly taken goal, one which could mean he will start the next couple of games for United.
Starting Amad Diallo over Alejandro Garnacho
One of the few bright sparks for Manchester United last season were the performances of winger Alejandro Garnacho, who produced a number of stellar displays during an abject season.
So when ten Hag opted to start Amad Diallo on the wing over Garnacho, eye brows were raised. The former was relatively uneffective during the clash at Old Trafford, with his sole major contribution being a dive that he did not get booked for in the Fulham box.
Despite being two years younger, Garnacho is a better player right now, and should be starting every week off the right for United in the future.
Playing Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount as a false nines instead of starting Joshua Zirkzee
Anyone who has watched Marcus Rashford play through the middle knows he is not a centre forward. Rashford operates best out wide where he can drift inside onto his right foot. So with first choice striker Rasmus Hojlund out injured for a few weeks, ten Hag opted to play a 4-4-2/4-2-4, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount playing through the middle, flanked by Rashford on the left, and Diallo on the right.
What did you make of the 2024/25 Premier League opener at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Fulham? Let us know in the comments section below.
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Both had chances to give United the lead during the contest at Old Trafford. However, they were thwarted by Fulham keeper Bernd Leno, who produced a few excellent saves. Had ten Hag just started Zirkzee from the off, United might have looked more clinical. And thankfully, they did eventually find the breakthrough they needed late on
Lacking control
Manchester United still cannot control a game. At times, Fulham had them on the ropes in transition, stretching United on the counter. Had they themselves been more clinical with their chances, Old Trafford could have gotten toxic fast during the Premier League opener. Which leads us on to our next point…
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Failure to buy a midfielder
Yes United have been busy in the transfer market. And yes, they needed to bring in defenders, which they did with the signings of Leny Yoro (now injured for months after United ignored a metatarsal injury the Frenchman had), Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui. However, their lack of control in the middle of the park show they still need another midfielder.
Kobbie Mainoo is excellent, but he is still young. Casemiro, on his day, can be excellent, but he will turn 33 in February. The Brazilian showed signs of regression last term, and United could look to lighten his workload with another midfielder.
