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

Five things noticed as Manchester United came away from Old Trafford with a 1-0 win over Old Trafford in the Premier League on Friday evening.

Erik ten Hag chose to select Noussair Mazraoui in his starting XI as Manchester United hosted Fulham at Old Trafford on the opening day of the Premier League season.

The fixture started fast, with both teams looking to impose themselves on the ball and threaten their opposition goals whenever possible. Adama Traore looked a threat on Fulham’s right wing.

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The first significant chance of the game fell just before 30 minutes when a mistake from Bernd Leno’s wayward kick allowed Fernandes to have a shot on goal, but the keeper was able to make up for his mistake and stifle the United captain’s effort.

Shortly after, he had another fantastic chance as Casemiro sent him through with the keeper, but again, he could not finish.

As the second half commenced, United seemed the side on the front foot, but after their fruits were not harboured, Fulham very much threw their full throttle at André Onana.

However, when all hope seemed to be lost, it was debutant Joshua Zirkzee who had the impact off the bench to turn in a cross from Alejandro Garnacho with fantastic accuracy beyond Leno to hand United three points on the night.

#1 – Mazraoui was fantastic

Starting at his new club just a few days after he was officially announced, Mazraoui made an immediate impact. United were susceptible to conceding cut-back goals last campaign, and just nine minutes in, Traore had set one up for Fulham as United fans had flashbacks, but the new No. 3 was there to clear.

Although many thought he would start on the left to cover for Luke Shaw, it was Diogo Dalot who started on that flank as Mazraoui settled into Old Trafford in his natural position. He looked immediately comfortable and often explored into midfield, no doubt under Ten Hag’s instruction.

#2 – Amad has it all

Everyone knows that Amad Diallo is an incredibly talented winger – pre-season has proved this. But, more than anything, he showed against Fulham that he is willing to do the dirty work, too.

Amad was insistent on getting himself and the ball into the box by any means necessary, either by running with it into the area, finding the right pass, or acting as a decoy to create space for others. He was also hounding Fulham through his press, while also getting stuck in the tackles.

He worked well with Mazraoui on the right-hand side, considering it was the first time the pair had played together. Amad is showing himself to be incredibly useful and dependable, with a diverse palette of talent.

#3 – Winning duels

United won a LOT of duels across the pitch, which is very encouraging. Although the club failed to finish their chances, which is a whole separate point, they were very good at turning over possession, which Ten Hag will be encouraged by.

United will want to make sure that they can continue this trend throughout the campaign, as turnovers and fast breaks are a key part of what the Dutch manager wants to build.

#4 – Midfield signing NEEDED

“We will be alert, and that we can jump on every opportunity. And if we find opportunities who can help us, who can contribute to coming to higher performance levels, we have to do it.” These were Ten Hag’s words when asked if he wants a new midfielder this summer.

The club have to buy one. Casemiro was incredibly involved during the game, for better or worse, but with the player so relied upon in the build-up, this cannot be Casemiro long term. A new No. 6 who is defensively sound but also quick with his passing is the type needed.

To reinforce the point above, replacing Casemiro with a younger, fitter player will help the club continue to hunt for turnovers and improve its general playmaking.

#5 – Zirkzee kicks off the season

Joshua Zirkzee. Wow.

When the 23-year-old Dutchman came on, he seemed rather quiet during the occasion of his debut, not too involved in the play. However, when his chance came, he took it with perfection.

“What a way to start your Manchester United career,” was the commentary. He has kicked off the Premier League season with a fantastic finish that will help him feel right at home.

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