Joshua Zirkzee revels in ‘dream’ Manchester United debut after late winner - ‘We want to achieve something great’

Manchester United debutant Joshua Zirkzee described a "dream" night after he came off the bench to score the winner against Fulham at Old Trafford on the opening night of the Premier League season. "We want to achieve something great," Zirkzee said after the game. United boss Erik ten Hag was pleased with his fellow Dutchman's impact but believes there is more to come from the striker.

Joshua Zirkzee said his Manchester United debut was a “dream” and "we want to achieve something great" after coming off the bench to score a winner in their Premier League opener against Fulham.

The Dutchman arrived from Bologna over the summer after impressing for the Serie A side last season, but was left on the bench for Friday’s curtain-raiser at Old Trafford. 

Coming on with half an hour to go, the Netherlands international linked up well with his team-mates before making the decisive breakthrough in the 87th minute by steering home a cross to seal a 1-0 win. 

Premier League

How to watch Forest v Arsenal on TNT Sports and discovery+

10/09/2025 at 16:42

"To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn't be better," Zirkzee told Sky Sports. 

"I've been told [scoring at the Stretford End] is one of the best feelings at Man United. 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."

United are coming off a disappointing 2023/24 campaign in which they finished eighth in the Premier League, although FA Cup glory provided a silver lining. 

Zirkzee was one of several new recruits brought in to bolster Erik ten Hag’s squad in the off-season, along with fellow opening-day debutants Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, and the 23-year-old striker is upbeat about the future. 

• Joshua Zirkzee comes off bench to strike late winner on debut in Premier League opener
• 'We are going to close the gap' - Maresca says he needs 'time' to improve Chelsea

"The manager told me to bring an energy and help the team as much as possible, just that,” he explained. 

"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."

'That's why we bought him' - Ten Hag

Ten Hag was happy with Zirkzee’s impact from the bench, and believes the Dutchman can make an impact with both his link-up play and his finishing. 

The United manager opted to start the match without a recognised striker, Bruno Fernandes instead playing furthest up the pitch, but Zirzkee’s 61st-minute introduction for Mason Mount proved decisive. 

"Scoring for a striker is important. He should have been where he was to finish and to kill. He has more qualities so he has to get the right balance," Ten Hag said. 

"We have to work with him and he has to arrive in the box to finish. We want him to link up with the team and so that's why we bought him."

‘I don’t like to see a boring game’ – Slot on Klopp similarities and adjusting to Premier League

Video credit: TNT Sports

On Zirkzee’s impact on the game, he added: "It showed that subs are very important. It's great in the first game to bring on a sub and he ends up winning us the game. 

"It's good for the team process and the spirit of the group. It shows how important subs are and that they need to be ready.

"Against Fulham, it's always a difficult game but we pressed very well and we kept them under pressure.

"We created a lot of chances and should have scored earlier. That's my only criticism of the team, that we needed to kill."

---

Watch Ipswich Town v Liverpool as the opening weekend continues on Saturday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers

Grealish available for £40m, Man Utd’s Mbeumo move stalls – Paper Round

07/07/2025 at 23:50

Premier League

Man Utd complete signing of teenager Leon from Cerro Porteno

05/07/2025 at 12:03