Zirkzee winner - Fulham 16th August 2024

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MUFC Monday Morning Musings - Matchday 1
United 1 v 0 Fulham
Friday 16th August 2024

United kicked off the 2024/25 season under the floodlights at Old Trafford. The club has felt illuminated for a few months, basking in the glow of the FA Cup final victory over city. There is a huge sense of renewed optimism with a new club structure and strategy focused on onfield success rather than commerical profit. Ten Hag and Bruno have signed new contracts. Players like Garnacho, Hojlund, Amad and Mainoo have bloomed like the brightest flowers on a sunny spring day. Dead wood has gone or is going. New players have been signed. There is a plan. There is hope.

Although that hope was tested up until the 87th minute on Friday night, United came good and they deserved it. Zirkzee played well in his 30-minute appearance, dropping deep to receive, feed and then move forward. He looked strong and comfortable on the ball. I think he'll fit in just fine.

Positives - 3-points, debut goal from Zirkzee who played well after coming on as a sub, lots of urgency to the plat, created chances, Mazraoui looks like a cracking signing, Casemiro looks a lot fitter, Mason Mount could be like a new signing after missing most of last season, solid performance from Maguire, Martinez is like a second captain on the park and de Ligt also made his debut. 

Concerns - Missed chances. Need to be more ruthless in front of goal.

Next up - A trip to Brighton for a Saturday lunchtime kick off. Always a difficult place to go and they looked super bright against Everton. Need to get something out of that before Liverpool at Old Trafford the following week.

Highlights - Manchester United YouTube

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