Twenty-three years ago, another Dutch striker made his mark for Manchester United against the same opponents. While Joshua Zirkzee may not reach Ruud van Nistelrooy's remarkable tally of 150 goals in five seasons, the connection between the two was palpable as van Nistelrooy, now part of Erik ten Hag's coaching staff, celebrated Zirkzee's well-taken 87th-minute goal with shared pride.
Ten Hag, emphasizing that it doesn't matter where a player comes from, praised Zirkzee’s achievement, noting how important it is for any striker to score their first goal for Manchester United. He referenced the challenges faced by Rasmus Hojlund, who struggled to find the net early in his Premier League career, highlighting the significance of Zirkzee's immediate impact.
The crowd at Old Trafford erupted as Zirkzee, a £36.5m signing from Bologna, found the back of the net. The moment was a dream come true for the forward, who expressed his gratitude for experiencing such a special moment at the Stretford End in his debut match.
Gary Neville, a former United captain, reflected on the club’s current state with optimism, attributing the sense of control and direction at the club to the presence of new leadership, including chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth. Roy Keane also praised Zirkzee's composed finish, noting the importance of scoring on his debut.
Zirkzee’s summer was complicated by an injury that initially ruled him out of Euro 2024. However, due to further injuries in the Dutch squad, he was called up by Ronald Koeman, leading to an extended break and a cautious return to pre-season training. Ten Hag acknowledged the challenges Zirkzee faced but praised his contributions, particularly his ability to link up play and arrive in the box to score goals.
As the transfer window nears its close, United are still evaluating their options, particularly in midfield, with Burnley's Sander Berge being one potential target. However, much depends on the club’s ability to generate funds, with Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho among those potentially on the move. Ten Hag revealed that Sancho was omitted from the squad for the opening match due to an ear infection, although he was fit to play. The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of changes throughout the season.
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