Joshua Zirkzee reveals what Erik ten Hag said just before Manchester United debut goal

Joshua Zirkzee has revealed what Erik ten Hag told him minutes before he scored his debut goal in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League.

Manchester United have started off the 2024/25 season in winning ways after defeating Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford during the opening game of the Premier League season.

The tight affair against Fulham showed signs of promise across the 90 minutes, with substitute and debutant Joshua Zirkzee guiding Alejandro Garnacho‘s cross past Bernd Leno to secure all three points for Erik ten Hag.

Read More: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham – Five things noticed, including obvious transfer priority

However, several moments throughout the tie left United fans feeling unnerved, and the Dutch manager will no doubt look to rectify this over the coming weeks.

Zirkzee, 23, was granted the Player of the Match award by Sky Sports after the game, and speaking to the broadcast network, he explained that his circumstances “couldn’t be better”.

“To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better,” the Dutch striker told Sky.

“I’ve been told [scoring at the Stretford End] is one of the best feelings at Man Utd. I’m so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It’s an amazing feeling.

“At the end of the day we got the win, that’s all we wanted. I can’t really explain the feeling, it’s just very nice.

“I feel very warm here. It’s a great team. We want to achieve something great. It’s been amazing, it’s been a dream actually.”

He was then asked what Ten Hag told him just before he stepped out onto the Old Trafford turf for the first time.

“The manager told me to bring an energy and help the team as much as possible, just that.” Scoring the winning goal could not have been a more apt following of instructions.

“Manchester United is a huge club. You should always strive for the best. That includes day by day giving 100%, that’s the plan. It’s all good vibes.”

United will next face Brighton away from home before welcoming Liverpool to Old Trafford before the September international break. Zirkzee may have just made his case to start.

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