New signing Zirkzee came off the bench to score a late winner as Manchester United beat Fulham 1-0 in their Premier League opener. After the game, United boss Erik ten Hag spoke to the media.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Ten Hag said: “Substitutes are always important, and in the first game to see them come on and score the winning goal is great. Everyone can see the importance of the substitutes and they have to be ready.”
“It’s always a tough game against Fulham, but we defended well and pressed well. After 10 minutes we found our rhythm in the game and continued to put pressure on them. We created a lot of chances and should have scored earlier, which is my only criticism of the team – be more decisive in the box.”
“Two seasons ago, we had the most clean sheets in the Premier League. When we have a stable defence, we can defend well. If the defence is not stable, it creates gaps. I know Mazraoui, he is a good defender and very calm with the ball at his feet, but he’s not yet at his best. When he’s back at 100% fitness, he can do more, he needs to improve his fitness.”
“On Zirkzee’s winner: It’s important for a striker to score, he should be in that position, but his abilities are more than that, he needs to find the right balance – he has to be in the box to finish, but we also want him to combine. We have some good midfielders who can combine with him.”
“This is the first game, but it’s good to build confidence. I see a lot of things to improve, which is normal.”
On Maguire being substituted: “He’s not injured, but I had to take him off because he had some issues. It’s very important to win the game, but I’m happy that no one got injured today.”
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