Manchester United senior players jubilates over Eric Ten Hag’s heartbreaking news this morning as Sir Jim Ratcliffe already contacted Zinedine Zidane for replacement following an unimpressed pre-season matches and a lackluster performance against Fulham 

Manchester United senior players jubilates over Eric Ten Hag’s heartbreaking news this morning as Sir Jim Ratcliffe already contacted Zinedine Zidane for replacement following an unimpressed pre-season matches and a lackluster performance against Fulham 

 

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Manchester United vs Fulham 1-0: English Premier League – as it happened

 

 

By Kevin Hand and Rohan Sharma

Published On 16 Aug 2024

16 Aug 2024

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This page is now closed. Thanks for joining us. These were the updates as Manchester United beat Fulham in the Premier League on Friday, August 16:

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 21:59 (21:59 GMT)

It’s a wrap

The 2024/25 Premier League opens with United securing a late 1-0 result against Fulham to pick up three valuable points from the outset.

 

Fulham will look to lick their wounds and regroup against Leicester on August 24.

 

United will next play Brighton on the same day, which should be a tantalising prospect.

 

We hope you enjoyed our coverage of today’s encounter, and do stay tuned as Al Jazeera continues to cover all the biggest matches this season.

 

Next up it’s Ipswich Town against Liverpool on Saturday. Do join us for that one, if you can.

 

On behalf of Kevin Hand, this is Rohan Sharma signing off.

 

Friday night delight! ❤️‍🔥🙌#MUFC || #MUNFUL pic.twitter.com/EXBEXGjMJA

 

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 16, 2024

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 21:42 (21:42 GMT)

‘Really tough for us to lose this way’

Fulham manager Silva provided his post-match views to Sky Sports: “It is really tough for us to lose this game the way we lost.

 

“The game had different moments. We started really well, [but] I think the first two dangerous moments were from ourselves.

 

“The first one we should have scored [from] a really dangerous attack.

 

“After 20 minutes, [there was a] good reaction from Manchester United.

 

“We adjusted at half-time, and the second half was much better in my opinion.

 

“We had so many moments and we were punished at the end of the game.

 

“It was a crazy game and we did not play our own game.

 

“It was an emotional game – we tried to rush many, many times.

 

“We did not get the points I thought we deserved,” he said.

 

“Of course, when you have [a] two against one [situation], you should at least finalise the action and put your teammates in the right action.

 

“But it was not just that one. We had other really good moments and should have scored.

 

“We have to keep the emotional control in these types of games.

 

“We know they are strong and want to play this type of game.

 

“It’s always their strength when the game is broken and the space is there.

 

“We should have kept the balance and emotional control.

 

“But it was a good answer from the team overall, we just didn’t get the points I think we should have.

 

“It was a tough summer, when you lose five players – four of them starting players. But I knew the players were good enough to play in this way.”

 

 

Fulham’s head coach Marco Silva gestures as Manchester United’s head coach Erik ten Hag picks up the ball during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham [Dave Thompson/AP Photo]

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16 Aug 2024 – 21:32 (21:32 GMT)

‘Today we had a good connection with the team, subs and fans’

Martinez, who slotted in as left back for United today, gave his thoughts: “It’s really important [to win], but the most important is the three points. It’s a good start and still, we have to improve a lot. It is difficult to play for this big club. Big pressure [on us] but we love that.

 

“We have to play in a positive way. We have to take that pressure. It’s difficult to play for this big club, but we love that and we have to take that pressure and responsibility. Today we had a good connection with the team, subs and fans. I am really proud to play for this club. I didn’t play many games as left-back, but as a player, you have to give alternatives to [the] team. If the team needs me, I will be there.

 

“Really difficult to play against this opponent. We have to concentrate and not lose focus. It is [about the] small details, but in [the] Premier League, those small details make a big difference. As a player, we are ready for criticism. If you make excuses, you are not ready for this club,” he told Sky Sports.

 

Job done ➕3️⃣#MUFC || #MUNFUL pic.twitter.com/TZNKYKZNnj

 

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 16, 2024

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 21:27 (21:27 GMT)

Photos: The winning goal for Zirkzee

 

Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United scores his team’s first goal while under pressure from Calvin Bassey of Fulham [Michael Regan/Getty Images]

 

Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee celebrates scoring their first goal with Marcus Rashford [Molly Darlington/Reuters]

 

Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United celebrates scoring his goal with teammate Marcus Rashford [Michael Regan/Getty Images]

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16 Aug 2024 – 21:19 (21:19 GMT)

‘It is just the first game, but good to see the belief and confidence in the team’

United coach ten Hag shared his views post-match with Sky Sports: “Subs are always very important [referring to Zirkzee’s winner]. It was good to see in the first game. You bring him in and he scores in the first game.

 

“It helps the spirit of the group. Shows the subs that they have to be ready [for anything]. Against Fulham, it is always a difficult game. We pressed really well. After 10-12 minutes we found our spell in the game and kept them under pressure.

 

“They couldn’t come out of the pressure which was good. We created a lot of chances and should have scored earlier. That is my only criticism of the team – [we] need to be better in the box. Always very important [regarding keeping the clean sheet]. Two seasons ago, we had the most clean sheets in the league,” he said.

 

“When we have a consistent back four, we can defend more properly. If you don’t have a consistent back four, with no patterns or routines, then the gaps will show. Mazraoui is a great defender and very calm on the ball. Very pleased with his performance. He just needs to build his fitness. It is just the first game, but good to see the belief and confidence in the team. Not only to win, but the performance as well.”

 

 

Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Fulham FC at Old Trafford [Michael Regan/Getty Images]

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16 Aug 2024 – 21:14 (21:14 GMT)

‘To win in my first home game and grab a goal, it couldn’t be better’

The goal-scorer, who was also adjudged Player of the Match: “To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better.

 

“I’ve been told it is one of the best feelings to score in front of the Stretford End, so I am thankful and blessed to experience it in the first game. It’s an amazing feeling,” he said. “At the end of the day, we got the win. It is what the fans deserved. The squad is very nice, and [I] feel very warmly [welcomed] here. It’s a good team and we want to achieve something great.

 

“It’s been a dream. Just taking it in day by day. Just want to help the team as much as possible. Manchester is a huge club, so need to always strive for the best. That means giving it my 100 percent, which is the plan.”

 

Ladies and gentlemen: Joshua Zirkzee.#MUFC || #MUNFUL pic.twitter.com/0Wmvj3D9CW

 

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 16, 2024

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 21:07 (21:07 GMT)

Zirkzee named Player of the Match

What a debut for Zirkzee. He is named Player of the Match for his goal.

 

 

Manchester United’s new signing Joshua Zirkzee runs during his English Premier League debut [Dave Thompson/AP]

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16 Aug 2024 – 21:02 (21:02 GMT)

Zirkzee joins illustrious list

Joshua Zirkzee is the 22nd Manchester United player to score on their Premier League debut.

 

What a way to make your mark at Old Trafford. 😍 pic.twitter.com/WZ6n0eQALN

 

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 16, 2024

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 21:00 (21:00 GMT)

Zirkzee scores on debut!

ZIRKZEEEEEEEEEEEE#MUFC || #MUNFUL pic.twitter.com/UviPrEw2LT

 

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 16, 2024

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:55 (20:55 GMT)

Full-time: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham

Zirkzee rescues United with a late goal to ensure they start off the 2024/25 season with three points at home.

 

Fulham will feel hard done by the Dutchman’s effort, as they would happily have taken the single point today.

 

United were the better team, but considering the opposition, they should have converted on a few more chances.

 

Full-time: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:54 (20:54 GMT)

Garnacho misses huge chance

A bad pass from Bassey turns the ball back to United.

 

Rashford draws Leno forward, before spotting Garnacho to the right of him.

 

He times his pass superbly, and despite a gaping net in front of Garnacho, the Argentinian ends up miscuing his shot as the ball rolls wide of the far post.

 

That really should have sealed the deal for United, but it may still be just enough as time winds down.

 

90+4 mins: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:51 (20:51 GMT)

Four additional minutes of stoppage time

Four minutes is signalled by the fourth official.

 

Fulham make sweeping changes as Pereira and Lukic come off for Jay Stansfield and Harrison Reed.

 

90+1 mins: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:48 (20:48 GMT)

All hands on deck for Fulham

They were just minutes away from coming away with a point, which they would have taken.

 

Now they are throwing everything at United in hopes of salvaging a late draw.

 

90 mins: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:46 (20:46 GMT)

GOAL! Zirkzee scores. Manchester United 1-0 Fulham

Zirkzee makes it a debut to savour as he scores the opening goal of the 2024/25 Premier League season!

 

It is prompted by Garnacho’s cross into the box from the right side. Zirkzee deflects the chance into the goal, beating Leno in the process. He sets off on a run as Old Trafford breaks into pandemonium.

 

87 mins: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham

 

 

Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee celebrates scoring the first goal of the new Premier League season [Molly Darlington/Reuters]

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:42 (20:42 GMT)

United make substitution

Mainoo’s night comes to an end as he is replaced by Scott McTominay.

 

84 mins: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:41 (20:41 GMT)

Tete’s heel stops United advance

Garnacho is released on the right flank.

 

He tries to time a pass to Rashford inside the box, but ends up catching the heel of Tete, who is marking the United forward.

 

Leno is able to leap forward to collect the loose ball.

 

83 mins: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:40 (20:40 GMT)

Fernandes’ shot saved

United get on a break.

 

The ball finds Fernandes, who tries to curl past Leno from outside the centre of the box.

 

However, the Portguese international ends up hitting straight at the German keeper, who holds on to the chance.

 

Matthijs de Ligt makes his United debut as he replaces Mazraoui.

 

Maguire also comes off in favour of Jonny Evans.

 

81 mins: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:37 (20:37 GMT)

Maguire keeps Muniz out

With the ball falling to the Fulham striker inside the box, he tries desperately to get around his marker, but is unable to find any space to latch a shot at goal.

 

Maguire uses his back to shield the ball away from the forward, with Onana propelling himself forward to collect the loose ball.

 

Meanwhile, Fulham make additional changes as Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson come on for Muniz and Traore.

 

79 mins: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:34 (20:34 GMT)

Martinez dissolves Fulham attack

Traore leads the counter for the away side. Pereira tries to square a pass to the middle of the penalty area from the left, but Martinez is able to get the boot out to force a left-side corner kick.

 

The corner is taken, with United dispatching another opportunity from the corner flag on the opposite side. Pereira sends it in from the right side, but United are able to dispatch the threat away.

 

76 mins: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

 

 

Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United has seen the second half start to slip towards Fulham [Michael Regan/Getty Images]

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:31 (20:31 GMT)

Cairney booked

For a reckless tackle on Garnacho, the Scottish international is brandished with a caution.

 

74 mins: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:28 (20:28 GMT)

Pereira booked

For trying to get off a free kick sooner than the referee would have liked, the attacking midfielder is shown a caution.

 

70 mins: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:27 (20:27 GMT)

United win corner

It is taken from the right side by Fernandes. He ends up sending it short, and despite Garnacho getting to it, his final shot leaves a lot to be desired.

 

69 mins: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:25 (20:25 GMT)

Pereira scuppers counter

Despite a two-on-one opportunity the other way, Pereira ends up mistiming his intended pass to Iwobi, which is blocked by Maguire inadvertently.

 

Pereira really should have done better as that was a golden opportunity for Fulham to go up.

 

66 mins: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

 

 

Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot in action with Fulham’s Andreas Pereira [Molly Darlington/Reuters]

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:22 (20:22 GMT)

Fulham make substitution

Tom Cairney rushes on in place of Smith Rowe, whose debut appearance ends a bit earlier than he would have possibly wished.

 

64 mins: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

 

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16 Aug 2024 – 20:21 (20:21 GMT)

Muniz bicycle kick blocked

After trying to control the loose ball, Muniz opts for a bicycle kick from inside the goal area. However, Mainoo is right behind to block the chance.

 

The ball loops over dangerously towards the crossbar, with Onana not looking to take any chances as he tips it over the ball for a left-side Fulham corner. The first attempt is re-taken, before the second is sent down, but again to no avail for Fulham.

 

63 mins: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

 

 

Rodrigo Muniz of Fulham attempts a bicycle kick [Carl Recine/Getty Images]

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Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies

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