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ROY KEANE told Erik ten Hag, "I'll be waiting" after a tense exchange live on Sky Sports.

Joshua Zirkzee jumped off the bench to score the winner for the Red Devils in their season opener at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag shared an awkward exchange after Man Utd's 1-0 win Fulham
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Erik ten Hag shared an awkward exchange after Man Utd's 1-0 win FulhamCredit: Sky Sports
Roy Keane warned the Man Utd boss "I'll be waiting"
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Roy Keane warned the Man Utd boss "I'll be waiting"Credit: Sky Sports

Ten Hag had gone bold with his starting XI by not selecting a recognised striker, with Bruno Fernandes selected as a false nine.

The club captain squandered two great chances to give the Red Devils a first half lead.

However, Zirkzee's 60th minute introduction bore fruit in the 87th minute as he converted Alejandro Garncho's low cross with a deft touch that sent the ball rolling past Bernd Leno's far post.

Jubilant Ten Hag was interviewed by Sky Sports after the game, where Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher spoke to him.

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Near the end of his interview, Ten Hag turned to the usually-opinionated Keane who had yet to ask a question to take a sly jab at him following his fierce criticism for much of last season.

The Dutchman said: " You’re quiet! You don’t want to kill the vibes?"

Man Utd legend Keane responded: "Maybe next week!"

The pair smiled throughout the exchange, before Ten Hag walked down the new Stretford End tunnel.

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Reacting to the exchange, one fan said: "The most flustered I've ever seen Roy Keane is when he's around Ten Hag, he turns into little kid."

A second said: "Well then, safe to say Roy Keane isn’t on Ten Hag’s Christmas list. Was anyone else cringing slightly?"

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Another said: "Roy Keane and Ten Hag might have a scrap before the end of the season."

A fourth added: "Give Roy Keane and Erik Ten Hag their own spin-off show!"

A fifth said: "Love the Ten Hag - Keane bromance!"

Man Utd's next game is an away trip to Brighton in next Saturday's early kick-off.

Man Utd ratings vs Fulham as new boys shine... but Mount and Amad struggle

DEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where 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.

Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.

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.

Noussair Mazraoui - 7

A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.

Harry Maguire - 7

Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?

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.

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.

Subs

Alejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) - 6

Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.

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

Jonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) - 5

Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) - 5

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