JOSHUA GLEE FOR ERIK

New boy off the bench t save United. it looked like a false start without striker

JOSHUA ZIRKZEE came off the bench to fire an 87th-minute winner on his Manchester United debut.

The Dutch striker entered the fray in the 61st minute as the Premier League kicked off and was on hand to expertly convert Alejando Garnacho's cross to seal victory over Fulham.

Having narrowly avoided the sack at the end of last season, United manager Erik ten Hag looked to be left frustrated at Old Trafford.

But Netherlands star Zirkzee found a clinical finishing touch in front of the Stretford End to get United's league campaign off to a winning start.

United boss Erik ten Hag said: "Subs are always important and it was good to see in the first game that you bring a sub on and he scores the winner.

"Scoring for a striker is important and he should be where he was. But he has more qualities and he has to get the right balance.

"He has to be arriving in the box to get the finishes but we also want him to link up.

"We have some great midfielders around him to make up combinations.

"Against Fulham it is always a difficult game but we defended and pressed very well. We kept them under pressure.