NEW signing Joshua Zirkzee struck late tonight to give Manchester United a 1-0 victory over Fulham in the opening match of the English Premier League season at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman with Nigerian heritage came off the bench as United snatched victory over Fulham, who had Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey in their starting line-up.
With the encounter heading to a stalemate after Manchester United missed a rash of big scoring chances, Zirkzee poked home from inside the area in the 87th minute, off a cross from fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
United started slowly and could have gone behind inside the first 15 minutes but for a smart save from goalkeeper Andre Onana, which kept a curling Kenny Tete effort out.
The hosts then got into their stride midway through the first half and created two glorious opportunities for Bruno Fernandes, who was denied by Fulham keeper Bernd Leno both times.
Frustrations grew after the break as it looked like a winner would elude the hosts, only for Zirkzee to arrive right on cue three minutes from time to earn United victory.
Manchester United have more wins and more points from their opening games of Premier League campaigns than any other team, but they could have blown it tonight with wayward finishing against a side that defeated them at Old Trafford last season.
