Manchester United cannot keep wasting so many chances: Erik ten Hag
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Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee celebrates with Marcus Rashford after scoring in the 1-0 Premier League win over Fulham.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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LONDON – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag admitted that wasted chances remain a major concern after his side laboured to a 1-0 win over Fulham in their English Premier League opener on Aug 16.
An optimistic Old Trafford crowd fell flat for much of the first game of the English top-flight season after watching their team struggle to create openings.
When they did present themselves, they were mostly squandered, until Dutch substitute Joshua Zirkzee netted a late 87th-minute winner on his debut.
“I think one area we have to get right is how to kill (games) in the box,” ten Hag said. “We saw it in the friendlies and last week against (Manchester) City (in United’s Community Shield loss).
“We created enough chances and should not have to wait for a late winner. We have to be more composed and kill teams. Maybe it is because it is the start of the season, players have (yet) to come into full speed. But we have enough players with scoring abilities.”
The Dutchman revealed on the eve of the Friday night game that his side were “not ready” for the new campaign, with key players missing through injury or a lack of match fitness, and it showed.
Captain Bruno Fernandes started in a centre-forward role in the absence of Rasmus Hojlund, while Zirkzee was on the bench after returning to pre-season late following Euro 2024.
New signing Noussair Mazraoui was thrown straight into the starting line-up at right-back after joining from Bayern Munich this week.
Fernandes and Mason Mount missed a couple of chances when through on goal, until United’s late winner came via forward Zirkzee, who stepped off the bench to convert a cross from fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
“He had an injury at the end of his career at Bologna,” added ten Hag, on not selecting Zirkzee from the start because of his lack of match fitness.
“He has some attributes we didn’t have and straight away he showed it.
“He is very good in his linking-up combinations. But he has to arrive in the box to score goals and he did that tonight. He is a Man United player and it is very good for a striker coming in and scoring his first goal.”
The 23-year-old was thrilled with his first appearance for the club, after he became the 22nd player and the fourth Dutchman to score on his Premier League debut for United.
“To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better,” said Zirkzee.
“I’ve been told (scoring at the Stretford End) is one of the best feelings at Manchester United. I’m so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It’s an amazing feeling.” REUTERS, AFP
