Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is delighted with the performance of his new summer signing Joshua Zirkzee after the Dutch striker scored on his club debut.
Zirkzee, who joined United from Bologna this summer, scored the only goal in their 1-0 win over Fulham last Friday in the 2024-25 Premier League season opener.
Speaking to the media on Thursday in his post-match conference for this weekend, ten Hag praised the 23-year-old, adding that Zirkzee scoring his first goal on his debut will help his confidence going forward.
“[It is] very pleasing that a player, who is a striker scores his first goal in his first game,” the Dutch manger said. “That will give him confidence, we’re very pleased that it’s happened.
“I give the comparison last year with Rasmus Hojlund that when he scored against Brighton and the VAR looked, [then] five minutes later they concluded the ball crossed the line in the assist and he had to wait thee months for his first Premier League goal.
“It helps absolutely scoring his first goal, it gives him confidence and gives us confidence as a team.”
Ten Hag also said that he is happy with the way United have gone about their summer transfer business, adding that the team is also looking for ways to improve before the window closes.
“Yes, [I am] very pleased. They’re showing we’re going in the right direction,” ten Hag added. “We know as a club we have to catch up, but it shows our ambition, the way we want to go.
“We have done good business, very good players, quality players, who will contribute to our squad and the quality of our squad.”
On the reports of being close to agreeing a deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte, he said: “We have a couple of days, and we will always improve, as long as we have the opportunity, we will look for it.”
United opened their season account with a win last time and they will be looking to make it back-to-back victories when they travel to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton and Hove Albion in the early kick-off this Saturday.
