LONDON: Joshua Zirkzee admitted it was an “unbelievable” feeling to mark his Manchester United debut with the late goal that clinched a dramatic 1-0 win against Fulham.
Zirkzee came off the bench in the second half at Old Trafford on Friday and delivered a memorable first impression as his 87th-minute strike gave United the perfect start to the new season.
The Netherlands striker completed his switch from Bologna a month ago, but was among several United players to get an extended break after Euro 2024.
He missed all of United´s friendlies and was an unused substitute in last weekend´s Community Shield loss to Manchester City.
Zirkzee, 23, finally made his first appearance in United red against the Cottagers, with his winner making it a moment he will never forget.
“A great feeling, it couldn´t be any better. What can I say? Debut, winning, scoring in front of the Stretford End, so yeah, it´s unbelievable,” he said.
“I mean yeah, first game, first goal, it´s always a relief to have that off your shoulders, but it goes on and we´re just going to work for the next game.”
Zirkzee jumped at the chance to join Erik ten Hag´s side after shining in Bologna´s outstanding Serie A campaign last term.
Asked why he wanted to join United, he laughed and said: “Why Manchester United?
“Some people might be crazy, but, for me, I mean this is the biggest club in the world, so it wasn´t a difficult choice to make to be honest.”
Zirkzee will be able to hone his craft under former United and Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who returned to Old Trafford as a member of Ten Hag´s coaching staff in the close-season.
“Yeah, it´s a privilege to have someone like that,” Zirkzee said.
“As a striker, it´s not every day you have someone that you grew up watching, so yeah, that´s pretty much it, but everybody in the staff up to now has been great and I enjoy working with these people a lot. “It´s not just him, but obviously it´s an extra privilege.”
