"It doesn’t matter if he’s Dutch, English, Russian, or South American—what matters is that he’s a Manchester United player. It's great for a striker to join the club and score the winning goal in his debut. Reflecting on last season, when Rasmus Hojlund scored his first goal at Old Trafford, we had that agonizing wait for VAR to confirm it had crossed the line. It took too long and left us frustrated. This time, we're delighted with the outcome. It’s encouraging for him and for the fans—a fantastic start that will boost his confidence and belief."
He brings attributes we were missing, and he showed that immediately. His ability to link up and combine with our other ball-playing offensive players is something we can capitalize on. But as I’ve said before, he needs to arrive in the box and score goals, and he did just that, netting the winner to everyone's delight."
We assessed each player individually to ensure they’re on the right program. He had an injury at the end of his time with Bologna and wasn’t initially selected for the Euros, but then was called up when another player dropped out. After the Euros, he needed to rebuild his fitness, so we put him on an individual program before integrating him back into team training."
We need depth in our squad, especially in a season where survival of the fittest is key. I can only include 20 players in the squad, and I have to make tough choices. This week, he had an ear infection and wasn’t 100% fit. Although he could have played, we opted for other players on the bench. But as the season progresses, rotation will be necessary, and everyone will get their minutes to prove themselves. It’s crucial to maintain balance, and while it can be frustrating, every player must fight for their place because we have many games ahead."
One area we need to improve is finishing in the box. We created enough chances in friendlies and against City last week, but we need to be more composed and learn to finish them off sooner. It’s likely because the season is just starting, and players are still finding their rhythm. We have enough goal-scoring talent in the squad, and the most important thing is that we're creating opportunities."
The same applies to Zirkzee as it does to Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho had a long season, playing in an FA Cup final and Copa America, and he needed a break. He joined us late in pre-season, and with other wide players performing well, he started on the bench. But like Zirkzee, Sancho, and Garnacho, he’ll get his minutes and starts in the coming weeks and months."
As a midfielder, he has to contribute both defensively and offensively. Everyone knows Casemiro is also a brilliant passer, and his overall performance was exactly what we expect—organizing well, making key interceptions, winning duels, and delivering good passes."
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