As a highly anticipated rookie, the Dutch striker did not disappoint the "Red Devils" fans when he scored the only goal to help The Red Devils win all 3 points on the opening day of the Premier League against Fulham.
During the first 26 minutes on the Old Trafford pitch, Zirkzee's performance was not too outstanding. This is also what was predicted about the star's playing style, neat and simple. However, when Zirkzee came on with Erik ten Hag's mission of helping the team win, it was not just to hold the ball and keep the attack rhythm.
Zirkzee showed his aggressiveness when attacking in a rhythmic defense and building a good playing style. The former Bologna striker is ready to drop deep and connect with his teammates, in order to create space for the "Red Devils".
This was clearly demonstrated in the situation that led to the decisive goal, helping Man United win. Zirkzee dropped about 20m deep, leaving space for Garnacho and Rashford to run up. The pass to Garnacho caused Fulham's defense to retreat, unable to react and prevent the Argentine striker's cross.
In addition, what Zirkzee did to Erik ten's satisfaction was his role as someone who climbed up from the second line to take advantage of the space he created himself. Zirkzee's decisive goal from Garnacho's cross was a clear testament to his ability to take advantage of this opportunity.
Zirkzee has not usually celebrated too much enthusiastically after scoring. When he was playing in the amateur tournament in Rotterdam, the Dutch star's goals were often welcomed with a cold welcome. However, it was difficult to stay calm when scoring the decisive goal in the 87th minute of his debut match at Old Trafford. Zirkzee had his signature celebration when simulating the two-hand "shooting" movement.
Before his student's debut, Erik ten Hag hopes to witness many such celebrations of Zirkzee this season. After the match, he did not hesitate to praise the new player but also emphasized the importance of finding a balance between taking a deep step back to connect the playing style and scoring task. In the past 3 seasons, Man United have only scored 57, 58 and 57 goals in the Premier League. Ten Hag knows that this poor number needs to be improved.
Although Zirkzee is not a transfer target to increase Man United's number of immediate goals. The Red Devils need Zirkzee to contribute regularly this season, possibly with a higher frequency than he did during his time at Bologna, where he scored 14 goals in 58 matches.
Before that, Rasmus Hojlund had a long wait to get his first goal in the Premier League. Zirkzee's debut was much more impressive and this will help him increase his confidence.
