Manchester United’s new season got off to a modest and challenging start. On 16 August, Erik ten Hag’s side barely managed to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham at the Theatre of Dreams. Despite not producing a dazzling or flashy performance, United showed grit and determination to earn all three important points in a difficult game. The start to the season has been a promising but also difficult one for the Manchester club.
A year ago, United lost four of their opening seven games of the season. The result sent them deep into the abyss from which they never recovered.
Zirkzee’s impressive start to life at Manchester United
Erik ten Hag has often had a doubtful start to the season since taking charge of Manchester United. In the 2022/23 season, the team lost 1-2 to Brighton, and the following season, only won by a narrow margin thanks to a Raphael Varane goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers. In the 2023/24 season, Man Utd continued to struggle with defeats against Brighton, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, and Fulham themselves.
Ahead of the match against Fulham, coach Erik ten Hag expressed concerns about his team’s preparation, asserting that they were not ready and needed to improve their performance against “lower” opponents. Despite important victories against Liverpool and Man City, the club’s biggest challenge is to maintain stability and overcome weaker opponents.
In last night’s match at Old Trafford, three of Man Utd’s four new signings had the opportunity to play in the Premier League. Noussair Mazraoui started, while Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee came on as substitutes. Zirkzee, with a goal in the 87th minute, secured three valuable points for the home team.
While this victory cannot completely erase the negative impressions from the previous performance, it shows a glimmer of hope for Man Utd. As the new recruits gradually get used to the new environment and adapt to English football, the team’s situation may improve.
Zirkzee, who took just 26 minutes to score his first goal for Man Utd, proved himself to be a valuable talent. With his goal against Fulham, he opened up a positive outlook for the team and showed his ability to finish in the penalty area – something that stars like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount have not been able to do. In Erik ten Hag’s third season, continuing the “Dutchification” with new signings like Zirkzee could be the key to restoring Manchester United’s supremacy.
Don’t Get Too Happy: Zirkzee Needs to Be Careful With His New Fame
Joshua Zirkzee has been showered with praise on football forums, with many suggesting the Dutchman should have joined Man Utd sooner. However, Zirkzee should be wary of the praise. Antony, who scored an impressive goal on his debut against Arsenal, was benched for the entire game and is in danger of leaving the club. Similarly, Donny van de Beek had a promising start at Old Trafford but was forced to move to Girona FC after unsuccessful spells at Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Zirkzee certainly doesn’t want to suffer the same fate as Antony and Van de Beek. However, he delivered on his promise with a superb performance that helped Man Utd claim three valuable points. This moment was not only a plus for Zirkzee but also for Erik ten Hag, proving that the strategy of “Dutchifying” the team is on the right track.
Although the victory over Fulham gave Man Utd a smooth start, the team needs more than one positive result to prove stability. To restore their position and reputation, Erik ten Hag’s team needs to continue winning in the rest of the season. Only then can the doubts be dispelled and the dawn will gradually appear for Man Utd.
