Joshua Zirkzee delivers “special” verdict on new Manchester United teammate

Joshua Zirkzee delivered a “special” verdict on one of his new Manchester United teammates after victory against Fulham on Friday.

United kicked off their 2024/25 Premier League season with a solid 1-0 victory over The Cottagers.

The Reds delivered a strong performance but struggled to make the most of their chances. Bruno Fernandes had the two best opportunities in the first half, but Bernd Leno saved both.

Erik ten Hag’s team pressed well and created multiple chances, but their finishing fell short until Joshua Zirkzee stepped up late in the game.

The Dutch striker scored a brilliant goal, securing the win for his new club, but he was not the only new recruit who impressed on the night.

Matthijs de Ligt also came off the bench in the second half and did well, but it was Noussair Mazraoui who started the game after just a handful of training sessions with his new teammates.

The Moroccon fullback really impressed on his debut and was one of the standout performers for Ten Hag’s side. His last-ditch tackle to save a dangerous shot early on was matched by a calming nature in possession.

When asked about the right-back after the game, Zirkzee was full of compliments and detailed one ‘special’ part of his performance.

“He had a great game. He arrived this week, and it’s not easy to come into a team and directly play the way he did,” Zirkzee told The National News.

“I think it all looked natural, and that was the most special part of his game today.

“But yeah, that’s just the player he is, he’s there to do his job and perform the best way he can and I think he did great today… not just because he’s my friend.”

The pair could both start in United’s next game against Brighton. The match will be shown live on TNT Sports next Saturday at 12:30 BST.

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