Erik ten Hag heaps praise on Joshua Zirkzee after scoring the winner in Man Utd’s first game

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes Joshua Zirkzee’s first goal will be a ‘belief booster’ after helping them beat Fulham.

The Red Devils opened the new Premier League season with a 1-0 win against the west Londoners at Old Trafford, with Zirkzee coming off the bench to score in the last five minutes.

The Dutch striker showed the world what he is all about with a goal, first coming into the middle of the pitch to link the game and moving the ball to the wing, before getting to the box and firing the ball into the bottom corner with an outstretched toe.

Talking to Sky Sports After the game, Ten Hag was excited about his new multi-talented striker.

“Scoring goals for a striker is important and he has to be where he is, but he has a lot of qualities and he has to balance well – he has to get into the box to finish the game, but we want him to link up. . We have good midfielders around him who can form groups,” said Ten Hag.

“It’s the first game, but it’s good to strengthen the belief. I saw a lot of gaps where we have to improve but that’s normal.”

Ten Hag managed to change the game on Friday from the bench, a luxury he will not be able to enjoy in the 2023/24 season due to United’s injury problem.

“The subs are always important and it was good to see in the first game that he brought a sub and scored the winning goal,” he said. “Everybody realizes how important the subscribers are and they have to be ready.

“For Fulham it’s always a tough game but we defended and pressed very well. After 10 minutes we found our spell in the game and kept them under pressure. We created a lot of chances and we should have scored and that’s the only criticism of the team – kill in the box.

“The last two seasons [we had] the cleanest sheets in the Premier League. If we have a consistent back four we will defend properly. If you don’t have a consistent back four, gaps will appear.

“This is how I know Noussair Mazraoui. He is a good defender, but he is very determined on the ball – he is not in perfect condition, if he gets 100% fitness he can do a lot more. He has to build his fitness.”

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