Manchester United are off to a winning start in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign after beating Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford this evening.
Erik ten Hag made just one change to his side which lost to Manchester City in the Community Shield last weekend.
Noussair Mazraoui made his full debut, replacing Jonny Evans. He started from his favoured right-back spot, forcing Diogo Dalot to move to left-back.
Bruno Fernandes had a couple of great chances to put United ahead, but Bernd Leno denied him both times.
Fulham remained compact defensively but lacked the attacking flair needed to break through.
Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho came on at the hour mark and combined to get three points for the Red Devils late in the game.
Player Ratings
Andre Onana – 6/10
The Cameroon international made a good save early in the game to deny Kenny Tete.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7/10
The United new signing made a crucial interception to stop Fulham’s attack through Adama Traore. He looks very tidy in possession, and his reverse passes are something to watch out for.
Harry Maguire – 8/10
It was a really impressive performance from Maguire. His commanding aerial prowess was on full display tonight.
His standout moment arrived when he deftly outmanoeuvred two Fulham attackers in a thrilling one-on-two showdown.
Lisandro Martinez – 7/10
Martinez lost his first battle to Adama Traore but won the second with some swagger. His crucial clearance kept the Cottagers at bay.
Diogo Dalot – 6/10
Dalot was subdued going forward and contributed little to the attack.
Casemiro – 7/10
Many people wrote Casemiro off before the start of the season but he looks a much better player than he was last campaign. He is proving to be an attacking asset, creating two great goal-scoring chances for Fernandes.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7/10
It is so hard to believe that he is still only 18 years old. Mainoo covered the grass with great energy and played with no fear when showcasing his skills.
Mason Mount – 5/10
It was an energetic display from the former Chelsea star. He should have scored for United when Rashford found him with a great run.
Marcus Rashford – 6/10
The 26-year-old was seemingly anonymous in the first half but saw much of the ball after the break. He created an excellent opportunity for Mount and later selfishly passed the ball to Garnacho when he had just Leno to beat.
Amad Diallo – 6/10
Diallo made a driving run in the first half but was brought down in the penalty box. The referee did not believe the contact was enough to point to the spot.
Bruno Fernandes – 5/10
A rare off night for the club captain. He must have scored a brace but failed to beat Leno twice in 1v1 situations.
Substitutes
Joshua Zirkzee – 8/10
Scoring a match-winning goal at Old Trafford on his debut was a moment etched in his memory forever.
Zirkzee is not an old-fashioned striker but someone who will drop deep to collect the ball and bring wingers into action.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5/10
Much like Fernandes, Garnacho had a challenging night. Antonee Robinson got the better of him on several occasions, and he missed a golden opportunity to score into an empty net after Rashford set him up.
He still earned an assist for Zirkzee on his off night.
Matthijs de Ligt – N/A
Too late to rate. Third Man United player to make his debut tonight.
Jonny Evans – N/A
Too late to rate.
Scott McTominay – N/A
Too late to rate.