Manchester United vs Fulham LIVE: Premier League latest score ...
Joshua Zirkzee struck late on as the Dutch striker’s debut goal handed Manchester United a narrow victory over Fulham in the opening game of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
The hoss had toiled for long periods at Old Trafford having been unable to beat Bernd Leno in a first-half flurry of chances, and it was the visitors who looked the likelier side to break the deadlock in the second half. But Zirkzee, on as a second half substitue after a summer switch from Bologna, produced a moment of quality on his full debut, deftly opening up his foot to divert a cross into the corner and pinch the points.
It meant a solid start to the new season for Erik ten Hag, backed in the summer by the club’s hierarchy despite an up-and-down campaign last time around. The Dutchman handed a starting debut to new addition Noussair Mazraoui and also utilised Matthijs de Ligt from the bench, though a scratchy performance at both ends of the pitch may be reason for concern.
Fulham, meanwhile, were bright enough, and will feel disappointed not to have truly tested Andre Onana more regularly, allowing Zirkzee to pop up with the winner as the new season got underway.
Follow all the reaction from Old Trafford with our live blog below:
Man Utd vs Fulham LIVEManchester United strike late to sink Fulham in the opening game of the Premier League season
FULL TIME! Manchester United 1-0 Fulham
GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 Fulham (Joshua Zirkzee, 87 minutes)
HALF TIME: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham
KICK OFF!
Manchester United FC 1 - 0 Fulham FC
And here’s Erik ten Hag...22:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“Subs are always very important,” the Manchester United manager says of Joshua Zirkzee’s impact to Sky Sports. “It was good to see in the first game that you bring on a sub and he scores the winner. That’s good for the team process and the spirit in the group. Everyone sees that they have to be ready.
“Against Fulham, it is always a difficult game. They are good on the ball, but we pressed very well. We kept them under pressure, which was good, and we created a lot of chances. We should have scored earlier - that’s the only criticism I have of the team, we need to kill in the box.
“Two seasons ago, we had the most clean sheets in the Premier League, and I know when we have a consistent back four, we will defend properly. It is so important to have a high line so that the midfielders can go forward. If you don’t have a consistent back four, no patterns or routine, then the gaps come.”
Joshua Zirkzee speaks to Sky Sports after his match-winning debut22:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“To win here in my first home game and grab a goal, it couldn’t be better. I’ve been told that it is one of the best feelings at Manchester United, so I’m thankful and blessed that I could experience it in my first game. It is an amazing feeling.
“At the end of the day, we got the win, and that’s all we wanted and what the fans deserve. I can’t explain this feeling, it’s just really nice. The squad have been very nice, I feel very warm here. It’s a great team and we want to achieve something great. It’s been a dream, but I’m going to take it day-by-day and work hard.
“The manager told me to bring my energy and help the team as much as possible. Manchester United is a huge club so we should always strive for the best. That’s the plan.”
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22:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Fulham will be frustrated not to have tested Andre Onana more frequently, though there was enough in there to encourage Marco Silva, who has promised that his side are far from done in the transfer market as he seeks additions to his squad.
FT: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham21:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Erik ten Hag stomps around the Old Trafford pitch slapping hands with the look of a man who knows his side got a little lucky tonight. Fulham had the better of large periods in that second half and looked the likelier side to break the deadlock, but up popped Joshua Zirkzee with a debut goal to pinch the points late on.
21:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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Manchester United 1-0 Fulham, 90 + 3 minutes21:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A minute more to come at Old Trafford. Lisandro Martinez takes his time over a throw, as well he might.
How have Manchester United squandered that chance? Calvin Bassey completely miskicks to let Marcus Rashford in the front door, and Alejandro Garnacho seems to simply have to sweep home as Rashford squares it. But the pass forces Garnacho to check, and he makes a total hash of his effort with goal agape!
But it will matter not...
Manchester United 1-0 Fulham, 90 + 2 minutes21:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Joshua Zirkzee wins the ball back in the centre circle, his goal looking like it should be enough. Manchester United go hunting for a second to seal it but Issa Diop is there to deny Alejandro Garnacho.
Manchester United 1-0 Fulham, 90 minutes21:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Four more minutes to be played. Manchester United concede a free kick in the right corner but have the big bodies on the park to clear it.
Sasa Lukic and Andreas Pereira are replaced by Harrison Reed and Jay Stansfield.
GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 Fulham (Joshua Zirkzee, 87 minutes)21:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Joshua Zirkzee finds an opener on Premier League debut!
A huge moment for Manchester United’s new striker! He’s involved in the build-up, dropping deep to create an option and then sending a couple of teammates on up the right. Into the box he drifts, not, perhaps, expecting the cross to find him in a slightly withdrawn position but having the presence of mind to open his left boot as it comes towards him.
His diversion beats Bernd Leno to his right as a crowd growing restless find late life. Manchester United lead!
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 84 minutes21:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And Erik ten Hag makes his fifth and final alteration soon after. Scott McTominay has been heavily linked with Fulham among plenty of other clubs this summer, but the Scot remains a Manchester United player, and is on for Kobbie Mainoo.
“He wants to play for Fulham!” is the cry from the away end.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 81 minutes21:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Erik ten Hag hands a debut to Matthijs de Ligt, the Dutch defender on alongside Jonny Evans in a surprise. Harry Maguire appears to have hurt himself and traipses off to stretch out some cramp, while Noussair Mazraoui is the other individual taken off.
From right to left: Diogo Dalot - Matthijs de Ligt - Jonny Evans - Lisandro Martinez.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 80 minutes21:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Bruno Fernandes hasn’t been at it in front of goal tonight. Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho combine effectively on the fast break, and Zirkzee creates room for his captain with a selfless overlapping surge to the left. The angle opens up for Fernandes to bend one to the corner but it’s easy for Bernd Leno to collect.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 78 minutes21:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This game has become messier than a teenager’s bedroom. Players from both sides are strewn around the Old Trafford pitch in a state of disorder, Fulham putting the pressure on but looking a little vulnerable at the back.
Marco Silva tries to restore some semblance of organisation with a couple of changes. Rodrigo Muniz and Adama Traore are replaced by Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez in a like-for-like double switch.
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Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 76 minutes21:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Three corner in a row for Fulham as they try to tighten the vice, Manchester United looking uncomfortable as they are thoroughly examined. Calvin Bassey turns and swings but rather clumps his half-volley, allowing a clearance.
21:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A booking for Tom Cairney as he cuts down Alejandro Garnacho. There is no foul, though, as Garnacho goes down too easily under Andreas Pereira’s challenge, and off Fulham go, countering with speed. Lisandro Martinez gets a vital foot in.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 72 minutes21:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Diogo Dalot turns and gets his derriere in the direction of a drive from Adama Traore, who had cleverly darted into space.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 69 minutes21:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Little more than 20 minutes left and still we await the first goal of the new campaign. Matthijs de Ligt did look to have been potentially preparing himself to come on when Erik ten Hag made that double change, but surely the Manchester United manager would look at changes further forward at this juncture?
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Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 66 minutes21:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Howls of disappointment from the travelling Fulham fans - that’s a real waste from Andreas Pereira! The former Manchester United man strolls away over halfway after Rodrigo Muniz lures Lisandro Martinez out of position, the Argentina defender kippering himself with a slide tackle. That leaves Harry Maguire exposed against both an onrushing Pereira and Alex Iwobi, who has the freedom of the city advancing up the left.
Pereira seeks his colleague but has his ball cut out. There was no need for his pass to be in the same postcode as Maguire - it’s excellent defending, in the end, from the centre back but that is a real let-off for the home side.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 63 minutes21:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A first switch for the vistors, and Emile Smith Rowe’s debut is at an end. Club captain Tom Cairney replaces him in midfield.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 62 minutes21:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Rodrigo Muniz looks to conjure something, an audacious overhead kick seemingly off target but diverting dangerously off Kobbie Mainoo’s clavicle. Andre Onana makes certain it clears his crossbar.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 61 minutes21:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That should give Manchester United a slightly more recognisable shape, Bruno Fernandes dropping into the hole with Joshua Zirkzee up top and Alejandro Garnacho taking Diallo’s place on the right wing.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 60 minutes21:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Just two changes, for now. Amad Dialoo and Mason Mount, limping slightly on a sore ankle, are replaced by Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 58 minutes21:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It would appear that Joshua Zirkzee will soon be with us on Premier League debut, the striker stripping off at Erik ten Hag’s instruction. A couple more of Manchester United’s substitutes are also readying their entrances as Ten Hag prepares to roll the dice for the first time this season.
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Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 55 minutes21:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Up goes the volume as Amad Diallo wins a corner. Fulham half-clear it but Kobbie Mainoo has a decent sighter from 20 yards soon after. Scuffed, slightly, and strimming the verge on its way wide of Bernd Leno’s goal.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 54 minutes21:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And the moment nearly arrives for Mason Mount! Marcus Rashford threatens with pace and purpose for the first time all night, and Mount joins him in a timely manner to rattle the shins of Bernd Leno from close range.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 52 minutes21:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Noussair Mazraoui waits an age for a teammate to come available as he readies a throw, and eventually a retreating Bruno Fernandes is found and fouled. The referee plays advantage, which the hosts fail to take, and Adama Traore is then hauled down at the other end by Marcus Rashford.
Andreas Pereira’s clip is comfortably claimed by Andre Onana but Manchester United need to reset and restart.
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Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 49 minutes21:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A real buzz about Fulham at the start of the half, their intensity back up to the levels they began the game with after that second quarter lull. Another Pereira corner is flicked goalwards and thumped away in haste by a wild swing of a Manchester United boot. Diogo Dalot was alert at the far post but Fulham are posing a threat.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 47 minutes21:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Tidy footwork from Emile Smith Rowe to shimmy between three Manchester United players, but he loses control of the ball and Lisandro Martinez nips in. Martinez’s clearance is woeful, though, and Alex Iwobi wins a corner out of Noussair Mazraoui.
Iwobi is up at the front stick to flick on Andreas Pereira’s delivery, though gets his header wrong. Andre Onana is untroubled.
Second half...21:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Joshua Zirkzee, Manchester United’s new striker signing, was out doing a relatively strenuous warm-up at the interval, suggesting it may not be too long before we see the Dutchman in action.
No changes to either side at half time, though. Back underway.
HT: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham20:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Fulham’s game for 20 minutes, Manchester United’s for the rest of the half, and both sides trudge down the tunnel reasonably content. Erik ten Hag’s side took a bit of time to settle into their striking, striker-less new look but have begun to create chances: Bruno Fernandes might have made more of two opportunities one-on-one with Bernd Leno, and Casemiro has loomed large like a lighthouse at set pieces.
Fulham’s best effort so far came from Kenny Tete, the right-back forcing an acrobatic tip over the bar, but the visitors seem happy enough to bide their time, understandably. They’ll be back out for more in a bit.
20:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle
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Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 45 minutes20:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Into stoppage time at the end of the half, a minimum of 60 seconds more to be played. It’s not necessarily been a rip-roaring start to the new season but both teams have offered enough, and Manchester United particularly, to indicate there may be more to come.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 42 minutes20:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Diogo Dalot takes ball and all in a sliding challenge as Adama Traore tries to get out of the blocks. Traore is perplexed not to have been rewarded with either a foul or a throw in, and is still moaning at the officials when he is picked out for a foul a minute later. Manchester United have adjusted well to his threat.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 40 minutes20:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Emile Smith Rowe gets back to deny Mason Mount the chance to deliver from a crossing position. Is the midfielder in trouble here, though? Harry Maguire looks to be first to a bouncing ball in the Fulham box...
But it’s a dive! Rob Jones goes immediately to his pocket and Maguire is booked for a theatrical tumble. Smith Rowe did jab a toe at him but it was some distance from the defender’s thigh.
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Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 37 minutes20:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Casemiro has been a beacon in the box for Manchester United so far, and he’s positioned himself correctly this time, fading to power a header down into the floor as Amad Diallo’s inswinger finds him. The Brazilian is a little disappointed not to test Leno, misdirecting his downward thrust and watching it bounce into the side netting.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 34 minutes20:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Super stop! There is Manchester United’s flow and fluency, Kobbie Mainoo finding Mason Mount, Casemiro providing support, Bruno Fernandes slotted in behind. Fernandes again can’t beat Bernd Leno, though, the left leg this time the hindering limb. Excellent work from Leno, but Manchester United are getting ever closer.
20:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s not necessarily been fluent football, but a polite ripple of applause around Old Trafford acknowledges a reasonably bright ten minutes from their team. Bruno Fernandes tiptoes into the box and almost connects with a looping cross from the left, raising an approving thumb to his colleague before trotting back into position.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 28 minutes20:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A huge chance! Bernd Leno spares his own blushes, an awful error in possession from the goalkeeper leaving him one-on-one with Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes gets cute, trying to banana a finish into the far corner past Leno’s right leg, but he starts the bend too close to the German, who thrusts out his limb and denies the Manchester United captain.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 26 minutes20:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Manchester United build a bit of pressure, trapping Fulham in their own defensive third. It’s disappointing from Casemiro, in the end, skying a curling effort from distance, but there are signs that the hosts are beginning to settle into this unconventional shape.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 24 minutes20:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Marco Silva remonstrates with the officials as a free kick fails to go Fulham’s way, Anthony Taylor talking the Portuguese manager round. Bruno Fernandes again finds the head of Casemiro from a free kick, but the Brazilian is once more offside.
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Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 22 minutes20:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Harry Maguire has had a couple of better moments, though. He wins a header above Rodrigo Muniz with calm and command as Kenny Tete seeks his striker at the far post.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 20 minutes20:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Lee Carsley is enjoying a first outing as interim England boss, Gareth Southgate’s temporary (for now...) successor watching on from the stands. There hasn’t necessarily been much from messrs Mount or Rashford to suggest their England exile should be ended, though we are stiill in the opening jousts.
20:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Much better wrangling from Lisandro Martinez, lassoing Adama Traore in full flow and bumping him off the ball with a sturdy, but fair, shoulder.
On the other side, Noussair Mazraoui has largely had a handle on Alex Iwobi so far.
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Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 15 minutes20:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A first sniff of goal for Manchester United. Amad Diallo’s delivery from a dead ball on the left is good but Casemiro is one of an over-eager quartet who are all offside as he strikes. His header failed to trouble Bernd Leno, anyway.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 14 minutes20:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Rodrigo Muniz then gets his head to the corner, though his sardined teammates can’t free themselves to capitalise on a loose ball.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 12 minutes20:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Kobbie Mainoo covers across neatly as Fulham look to spring a counter-attack from deep. Off goes Amad Diallo, showing a glimpse of his quickness but down much too easily under minimal contact.
That’s some effort - and some save! Kenny Tete surprises Andre Onana with a bending, dipping effort from 25 yards, the goalkeeper a little way off his line and thus retreating a touch. Onana has enough leap in his legs to get up to it and palm safely beyond the bar.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 9 minutes20:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Erik ten Hag is in full suit and tie tonight, buttons done up on his jacket as he peers out of his technical area. That will displease him, Rodrigo Muniz thrown away like an unwanted garment by Harry Maguire, who is rightly whistled for a cheap free kick.
Fulham make little of it.
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Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 7 minutes20:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Yeesh. The search for Adama Traore’s end product is becoming a little like the hunt for Atlantis, but there is no denying he is some athlete. He burns by three Manchester United men up the touchline, scorching Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro particularly, but Traore can’t pick out one of three teammates drawing back into position on the edge of the box.
20:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Pereira plays it short to Adama Traore, who pats it back to the midfielder. That one-two allows Manchester United to close the space, though, and a deflection of an ankle sends Pereira’s eventual delivery looping into Andre Onana’s embracing arms.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 5 minutes20:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Harry Maguire sends his shoulder into Antonee Robinson before sliding to make certain of his tackle, a flick of his foot on the way out granting Fulham a throw. Robinson looks backward and his defensive colleagues work the angles, allowing Andreas Pereira a sliver of space. He wriggles by Kobbie Mainoo, who drags him back - a free kick in a handy spot for the Brazilian.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 3 minutes20:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes are forming a front two of sorts for Manchester United, each ebbing and flowing like tides as they chalenge Fulham’s defensive shape. Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo provide the width.
It’s a 4-3-3 for Fulham, Andreas Pereira and Emile Smith Rowe just ahead of Sasa Lukic in midfield. The new addition gets a useful foot in as Smith Rowe goes his defensive work diligently.
Manchester United 0-0 Fulham, 1 minute20:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Brief excitement around Old Trafford as Marcus Rashford is sprung beyond the right side of the Fulham defence by a neat pass from Casemiro, the Brazilian bending it up the touchline with the outside of his boot. Rashford had strayed too soon, though, as the linesman’s hoisted flag confirms.
KICK OFF!20:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The new Premier League season is underway!
Manchester United vs Fulham19:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Referee Rob Jones will be peeping the first whistle of the new campaign. It looks like Diogo Dalot will be on the left of Manchester United’s back four and new man Noussair Mazraoui on the right flank.
19:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
So here we are then on opening night, a new season bringing fresh opportunity for the Premier League’s 20 clubs. But matters off the pitch might be just as interesting as events on it - Miguel Delaney sets the scene ahead of a campaign that could alter the fabric of the English top flight.
Man City case casts inevitable shadow over Premier League’s return
Team news - Fulham18:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Emile Smith Rowe starts for Fulham, while Rodrigo Muniz, as expected, gets the nod ahead of Raul Jimenez up front.
Fulham XI: Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Pereira; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz.
Team news - Manchester United18:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Noussair Mazraoui is thrown straight into the starting side by Erik ten Hag, who leaves fellow new addition Matthijs de Ligt on the bench. Marcus Rashford looks set to lead the line.
Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Mazraoui; Mainoo, Casemiro, Fernandes (c); Mount, Rashford, Amad.
Manchester United vs Fulham team news on the way...18:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A new Premier League directive this season means that we are expecting team news slightly sooner than has become custom, clubs now releasing their squads to the public 75 minutes before kick off, rather than an hour ahead of the whistle. That means that the two sides should be with us imminently - will Erik ten Hag hand immediate debuts to his two new recruits? And does Emile Smith Rowe slot straight in to Fulham’s lead creative role?
Man Utd vs Fulham LIVE17:01 , Chris Wilson
Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the first match of the Premier League season!
Manchester United take on Fulham at Old Trafford at 8pm, and we’ll have all the build-up, team news and match coverage right here.
