Erik ten Hag issues strong message to three Manchester United players after Fulham win

Erik ten Hag has issued a strong message to three of his Manchester United players following their 1-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League on Friday evening.

Manchester United kicked off the 2024/25 Premier League season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford.

In a closely contested match, debutant Joshua Zirkzee made an immediate impact, coming off the bench to steer Alejandro Garnacho‘s cross past Bernd Leno, securing three crucial points for Erik ten Hag‘s side.

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Despite the win, there were moments throughout the match that left United fans on edge, highlighting areas for improvement. The Dutch manager will undoubtedly focus on addressing these issues in the weeks ahead.

One area that needs to be addressed is the club’s lack of killer instinct in the box. Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount both missed fantastic chances, while Marcus Rashford also had moments that could have been and will be improved.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Ten Hag has warned his players that they must kill off fixtures earlier.

“Against Fulham, it is always a difficult game, but we defended and pressed very well,” he said. “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.”

however, striker signing Zirkzee was the man who guided that crucial ball past Leno, and Ten Hag explained how important this would be for the 23-year-old.

“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.

“First game, but it is good to strengthen the belief. I have seen many spaces where we have to improve, but that is normal.”

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