Erik ten Hag was pleased with Manchester United’s performance in a 1-0 win over Fulham on Friday night, but felt they were not clinical enough, criticising their struggles to kill the game off.
Debutant Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to score a late winner for the Red Devils, poking home an Alejandro Garnacho cross to delight the Old Trafford crowd.
Fulham had chances themselves, but Manchester United had plenty more with Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Garnacho all fluffing their lines when presented with good opportunities.
Ten Hag generally liked what he saw from his side, but felt their finishing let them down and the game could have been won earlier than the 87th minute when Zirkzee eventually found the back of the net.
‘We kept them under pressure, they had a lot of trouble, we created a lot of chances, I think,’ Ten Hag told Sky Sports.
‘We should have scored earlier. That’s the only criticism I have for the team. Kill. Kill in the box.’
Zirkzee was the hero for his new club and Ten Hag was pleased that he and fellow substitute Garnacho linked up for the goal, showing the squad how important they all are.
‘Subs [are] always very important, it was good to see, first game that you bring a sub and he scores the winning goal,’ said Ten Hag. ‘I think that’s very good for the team process, for the spirit in the group. Everyone sees how important subs are and they have to be ready.’
Zirkzee was predictably thrilled with his debut goal, saying: ‘To win here on my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better.’
On scoring in front of the Stretford End, he said: ‘I’ve been told that it’s one of the best feelings here at Man United, I’m just very thankful, I’m blessed I could experience it in my first game. It’s an amazing feeling.’
Zirkzee was not the only debutant for the Red Devils on Friday night, with Noussair Mazraoui starting at right-back and Ten Hag was impressed with the new arrival, especially as he is not fully fit.
‘I know him like this, he’s a great defender,’ Ten Hag said of the Moroccan he managed previously at Ajax. ‘But also very composed on the ball, attacking.
‘He’s not in full condition in his moment, when he’s at 100 per cent fitness he can do much more, but I’m very pleased with his performance. He did 70-75 minutes and now he has to build his fitness.’
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