Joshua Zirkzee has jokingly apologised to his Nigerian mother after completing his transfer from Bologna to Manchester United, Afrosport reports.
The 23-year-old Netherlands International made his debut for the Red Devils on Friday night in the Premier League season opener against Fulham, coming on as a substitute and scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory.
The win sent a lot of joy across Old Trafford and Zirkzee, while speaking in his first interview since joining United, jokingly begged his mum to forgive him for the mischievous things he did when he was much younger.
“I hope she forgives me now for all the times I came home late. Or, if I broke something in the in the backyard or even just at home,” he said.
“So eventually, it all worked out pretty well. But, yeah, that was just life back when I was younger – play football, forget about the time and getting back home late. It turned out pretty well.”
ZIRKZEEEEEEEEEEEE#MUFC || #MUNFUL pic.twitter.com/UviPrEw2LT
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 16, 2024
Reflecting on his performance on Zirkzee’s performance after the win, manager Erik ten Hag stated:
“It doesn’t matter if he’s [Zirkzee] Dutch, English or Russian or South American, he is a Manchester United player. It is very good for a striker to come into Manchester United and to score the winning goal in his first game.
“…We are very happy with him, it is very pleasing and we are very happy with him. It is also encouraging and it will give him courage and belief – and for the fans. It is a very good start.”
Another player in Morocco full-back in Noussair Mazraoui, made his United debut against Fulham having been signed from Bayern Munich along with Matthijs de Ligt.
Ten Hag was impressed with Mazraoui’s despite not being fully fit.
“He’s [Mazraoui] a great defender, but, as I said before the game, also very composed on the ball; attacking,” the Dutch tactician added.
“He’s not in full condition in this moment. When he gets 100 per cent fitness he can do much more, but I’m very pleased with his performance. He kept for 70-75 minutes, and now he has to build his fitness.”
An action-packed display from Noussair 💥#MUFC pic.twitter.com/SYBIhFNCRQ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 18, 2024
United will next face Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium next Saturday.
