Joshua Zirkzee brings three attributes that will benefit one Man United star, says legend

New striker Joshua Zirkzee scored a late winning goal for Manchester United on his debut against Fulham.

Manchester United started their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over The Cottagers on Friday evening.

Despite a strong showing, the Reds found it challenging to convert their chances. Bruno Fernandes had the best two opportunities in the first half, but Bernd Leno denied him on both occasions.

Erik ten Hag’s side applied effective pressure and created several openings but struggled to finish until Joshua Zirkzee’s late impact.

The Dutch striker netted a superb goal in the final stages, sealing the win for his new club in the opening game of the season.

Club captain Fernandes was having a frustrating performance playing as the false-nine in the opening 60 minutes of the game.

The Portuguese midfielder then moved slightly deeper after Zirkzee was introduced and was able to connect with the Dutchman in the build-up for his late goal.

It was reminiscent of Fernandes’ connection with Anthony Martial during his first season at Old Trafford.

Club legend Steve Bruce believes that Zirkzee will aid the 29-year-old going forward by offering a ‘focal point’ in the team who has both ‘elegance’ and ‘great awareness’.

“I would give it to the goalscorer. Why not?” Bruce told talkSPORT when asked to name his Man of the Match for the Fulham clash.

“I mean, he was on for only half an hour, and I believed Man United were better when he came on.

“He gave them a focal point. It allowed Fernandes to play where he would likes to play and certainly gave Manchester United a little bit of something going forward.

“So I will go for the debutant [as my Man of the Match] even though he played for only half an hour. You can see the elegance he’s got. He looks as if he’s got great awareness.

“He couldn’t have wished for a better start. That will give him a decent boost going into his new career.”

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