Manchester United 1-0 Fulham: Joshua Zirkzee impresses however enhancements to be made as Erik ten Hag’s aspect nonetheless lack identification

A late purpose by summer season signing Joshua Zirkzee earned Manchester United a nervy 1-0 win over Fulham of their Premier League season opener on Friday, however did Erik ten Hag’s aspect present indicators of shifting on from final season?

4 new arrivals had been paraded on the pitch, together with match-winner Zirkzee, whereas members of the membership’s revamped boardroom had been additionally in attendance at Previous Trafford, however some acquainted frustrations remained as Man Utd struggled to seek out any rhythm.

Sky Sports activities pundits Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane gave their verdicts on United’s squad and taking part in type, because the third season of the Ten Hag period started on Friday evening…

Nev: Man Utd regular, not spectacular

Neville says he stays optimistic followers will see a brand new Manchester United this season, however that identification and a recognisable type of play stays an issue underneath Ten Hag.

“It was steady and unspectacular,” he stated on Sky Sports activities Soccer. “They needed to win and it did not appear like they had been going to for giant components of that sport.

“It was essential that they gained and the clear sheet was vital. Defensively they are going to be higher than they had been final season and the squad seems to be greater and thicker.

“It wasn’t spectacular soccer however given the best way they arrange tonight, I did not anticipate it to be.

“What Manchester United were crying out for all last season was a pattern, or a style of play to develop whereby you knew there was consistency. I don’t think we’re ever going to see a proper Manchester United team until we see that.

“It is typically constructive. For Zirkzee to come back on and rating the winner, to have that form of presence to interchange Rasmus Hojlund when he is not match was vital.”

Instinctive Zirkzee reveals indicators of issues to come back

It took Rasmus Hojlund 15 makes an attempt to attain his first Premier League purpose final season, so United shall be delighted that Zirkzee has acquired off the mark shortly at Previous Trafford.

And maybe the younger Dutch ahead has given Premier League viewers a glimpse of what’s to come back. The penalty space is Zirkzee’s playground – he was within the prime ten strikers for touches within the opposition field final season in Serie A and his end confirmed his instinctive aspect.

After the sport, Erik ten Hag revealed actions like his winner on Friday is what they’re engaged on in coaching. “We have to work with him and he has to arrive in the box to finish. We want him to link up with the team and so that’s why we bought him,” stated the Man Utd boss.

The outcomes of that coaching floor work are already encouraging.

Dangerous information for Maguire as De Ligt, Mazraoui impress on debut

Ten Hag is seeking to gel his new squad collectively and handed Noussair Mazraoui a begin simply days after his arrival from Bayern Munich.

The appropriate-back appeared tidy in possession and ended his debut with the best cross share out of any starter on the pitch with 92 per cent, whereas solely Harry Maguire gained extra possessions within the center and defensive thirds than the brand new United No 3.

Former right-back Neville felt the defender had a “really good game” however Keane wants a bit of extra convincing. “The standard of the game wasn’t great,” he stated. “Let’s not be kidding ourselves. He did the basics well and looks a decent athlete. He’ll be pleased with the clean sheet.”

In the meantime, Matthijs De Ligt was a late substitute, approaching for Harry Maguire with the rating nonetheless at 0-0. Neville and Carragher each consider the Dutch centre-back will finally usurp the England defender in Ten Hag’s beginning aspect.

“It’s got to be De Ligt and Martinez. Harry Maguire probably won’t find himself as first choice,” added Carragher.

Man Utd’s subsequent six fixtures