DUTCH COURAGE
Man Utd ratings: Zirkzee and Mazraoui instantly prove their worth but Mount fluffs yet another chance
One Man Utd youngster did not show what he is capable of in a rare start
DEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United against Fulham as their new guns showed what they are all about.
The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.
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Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.
The striker reacted quickly to Alejandro Garnacho's cross to poke the ball beyond Bern Leno with just two minutes remaining of normal time.
It had been a frustrating evening for United with captain Bruno Fernandes missing a clear-cut opportunity in the first half as he tried to bend the ball past Leno with the outside of his foot.
Mount also fired straight at the keeper after the break from point blank range.
But they persevered and were able to notch a late winner after Andre Onana kept them in the game.
Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.
Here is how SunSport's Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display.
Andre Onana - 6
Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.
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Noussair Mazraoui - 7
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A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.
Lisandro Martinez - 6
Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal
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Harry Maguire - 7
Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?
Diogo Dalot - 6
Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.
Casemiro - 7
Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.
Kobbie Mainoo - 8
So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.
Mason Mount - 5
So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.
Amad Diallo - 5
Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.
Marcus Rashford - 6
Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.
Bruno Fernandes - 7
Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.
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Subs
Alejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) - 6
Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.
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Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) - 7
The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.
Matthijs de Ligt - (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) - 5
Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to do