Manchester United made a winning start to the 2024/25 Premier League season at Old Trafford on Friday night, beating Fulham 1-0.

Forward Joshua Zirkzee, who was recruited from Bologna last month, stepped off the bench to mark his debut with a goal. He steered home Alejandro Garnacho’s cross to net an 87th-minute winner.

It was by no means a vintage performance from United on the opening night of the campaign, but they did enough to get themselves over the line and secure all three points. Both sides had been guilty of wasting opportunities prior to Zirkzee’s moment in the spotlight, the best of which fell to Bruno Fernandes.

READ MORE: United player ratings vs Fulham as Zirkzee and Mazraoui impress

READ MORE: Joshua Zirkzee reveals what Erik ten Hag told him to do before scoring for United vs Fulham

Erik ten Hag will be aware that his side can be better, but there is no understating the importance of starting the campaign with three points and a clean sheet.

Below, MEN Sport has picked out some of the moments you might have missed from United’s Premier League opener.

Mount rallies the crowd

After a relatively slow and uninspiring start, United got better as the first half developed. They increased the tempo and were eventually finding some joy inside the final third after initially struggling to find a way through Fulham’s midfield.

Despite being the holding midfielder, much of United’s forward play was driven by Casemiro, who continues to look better in attacking scenarios than defensive ones. He pressed Fulham high and his commitment led to him sliding in on Cottagers left-back Antonee Robinson.

His determination and desire to make the challenge earned plaudits from teammate Mason Mount, who celebrated it almost like a goal, highlighting his appreciation for his midfield compatriot’s commitment to the cause. The former Chelsea man then turned around and rallied the crowd, urging them to be energised by Casemiro’s determination.

Garnacho’s frustrations

With the scoreline level at 0-0 as the game went into its final 10 minutes, the contest became stretched and it looked as though either side would be capable of grabbing a winner. United’s best hope of finding something looked as though it would come via the energy of Garnacho – and so it nearly proved.

After shaking off Robinson, the winger got to the byline and cut the ball back for Marcus Rashford, who looked set to tap home from close range. However, Kenny Tete got just enough on it to stop it from arriving at the academy graduate’s feet.

Garnacho sank to his knees and put his head in his hands. He was just as frustrated as those on the other side of the advertising hoardings.

A feeling of relief

After Zirkzee had taken a swipe at Garnacho’s cross with 87 minutes on the clock, Old Trafford exploded. It had been a frustrating night, with a cluster of great opportunities being wasted.

After seeing his effort creep beyond Bernd Leno and into the bottom corner, Zirkzee wheeled away to celebrate, racing behind the net at the Stretford End. He was immediately chased after by his teammates, with Rashford the first to congratulate him.

But as the majority of United’s players raced after Zirkzee to embrace him, Fernandes, after raising his arms aloft to celebrate the goal just inside the penalty area, bent forward, dropped his head and sank to his haunches.

Whether he was feeling a sense of relief after earlier missing a cluster of good chances or taking the moment in by himself, it evidently meant the world to the skipper. He joined in with the celebrations just as United’s players were dispersing from the main huddle, giving Zirkzee a hug to congratulate him.

Van Nistelrooy embraces Zirkzee

As United’s players made their way back towards the tunnel following a short acknowledgement of the crowd after full-time, Zirkzee walked into the path of a beaming Ruud van Nistelrooy. The latter scored on his Premier League debut for United in 2001, scoring twice against Fulham, and he knows how special a feeling it is to make your mark in United colours.

As Zirkzee walked towards the tunnel, Van Nistelrooy attracted his attention and smiled at him, the duo slapped each other on the hand and proceeded to put an arm around one another. Donning a huge smile through the exchange, it was clear the United assistant boss was delighted for his fellow countryman.

Van Nistelrooy also gave a hug to three players who were directly behind Zirkzee, those being Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro.

Story Saved