Manchester United made a winning start to the campaign as debutant Joshua Zirkzee bagged a late winner against a resilient Fulham side.
United were good value for the win and created plenty of chances over the ninety minutes, but the lack of a genuine centre forward was telling.
There were good performances all over; Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez all playing well.
an im-press-ive first half
After a cautious opening ten minutes or so, United started to click into gear and employed a high, aggressive press, mainly started by Fernandes and Mount, which started to cause Fulham real problems.
It was Casemiro pulling the strings in midfield, and credit to him for getting himself in the right shape to have an effect in the Premier League when a move to an easier league may have been an option. Big chances fell to Bruno Fernandes, who was twice thwarted by Fulham’s Bernd Leno.
New signing Noussair Mazraoui was the only one of the debutants who started the match, and his combinations with Amad Diallo on the right really caught the eye. It was a very good overall performance from the Moroccan, who looks like he could challenge Diogo Dalot for the right-back position.
For all their possession and chances though, United couldn’t find a way through, and went into half-time level.
Noussair Mazraoui had an impressive United debut
A second half drop-off
United came out after the break quite sluggishly; given the energy we spent with an intense press in the first half, and the fact that it was the first game of the season, perhaps our energy levels had dropped. Mason Mount had a shot saved from close-range when he should have scored and Kobbie Mainoo dragged a shot wide, but Fulham were growing into the game.
Erik Ten Hag made changes sooner rather than later, introducing Joshua Zirkzee and Garnacho for Mason Mount and Amad Diallo on the hour-mark. Rashford was on the left, Zirkzee central and Garnacho on the right.
The big Dutchman had several tidy touches and linked with the midfield well, but United still weren’t carrying too much of a threat, although we were limiting Fulham to half-chances.
We kept going though, and on 87 minutes Garnacho crossed from the right for Zirkzee who scored his first United goal with a very tidy first-time finish.
It should have been 2-0 in the closing moments as Garnacho missed a sitter with an almost open goal, but he somehow managed to pull the ball wide.
Some encouraging stats
United conceded far too many chances last season.
Last night Fulham only had 10 shots, 2 on target with no big chances created.
Fulham’s XG was 0.42 and United’s was 2.5, meaning the scoreline flattered the Londoners.
It was by no means a perfect performance, but overall, we played well, looked like a cohesive unit, limited Fulham to half chances and – most importantly – took 3 points from the game.
PLAYER RATINGS AND MOTM
Onana – 6. Didnt have too much to do but dealt with the shots he faced. Could be quicker with distribution sometimes.
Dalot – 6. Obviously prefers attacking down the right but defended pretty well.
Martinez – 7. A great performance, kept the robust Adama Traore in check all game and started attacks well.
Maguire – 7. Solid and dependable, didn’t panic when pressed and kept passes simple.
Mazraoui – 7.5. A really good debut. Solid defensively and a clear upgrade on Aaron Wan-Bissaka going forward.
Mainoo – 6.5. Looked lively and won the ball back several times when we pressed high.
Casemiro – 7.5 & MOTM. Played a little higher up the pitch and was pulling strings; making key passes and taking shots. Would be great to see Casemiro return to the form of his earlier United career.
Mount – 5.5. Worked hard and kicked off United’s aggressive press in the first half, but wasn’t influential and got subbed on the hour-mark.
Amad – 6.5. Looked bright in the first half and linked up well with new boy Mazaraoui. Faded after half -time and was switched for Garnacho on the hour.
Fernandes – 6.5. Involved as always but not his most influential game. Had a couple of shots saved by Fulham’s keeper Leno.
Rashford – 6. Generally quite bright and positive but not overly influential. Body language looked better than at some points last season and he stayed on for the full 90 minutes.
Subs:
Zirkzee (on for Mount on 61′) – 7. Took his goal really well with a one-touch finish and generally looked neat and tidy during build-up play.
Garnacho (on for Diallo on 61′) – 6.5. Looked a threat and set up the goal, but missed an absolute sitter for 2-0.
Evans (on for Maguire on 81′) – 6.5. Dependable as ever.
De Ligt (on for Mazraoui on 81′) – 6.5. Looked solid in his United debut.
McTominay (on for Mainoo on 84′) – 6. Brought on to help get United 3 points, which is what happened in the end.
LOOKING AHEAD
United travel to Brighton next Saturday for what might be a tougher test than Fulham at home.
We were good value for yesterday’s win, with a decent-looking structure and gameplan. Hopefully we can make more of the chances we create and who knows, we may even have new name on the teamsheet by next week. Watch this space…