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Humor and Quirks
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Humor and Quirks
Source : (remove) : Hotels.com
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Sporting Braga vs CFR Cluj: UEFA Europa League stats & head-to-head

Manchester United Secure Narrow Victory Over Fulham in Premier League Opener

Manchester United kicked off their 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Fulham at Old Trafford, thanks to a late debut goal from summer signing Joshua Zirkzee. The match, played under the Friday night lights, showcased a blend of defensive resilience, missed opportunities, and moments of individual brilliance, as Erik ten Hag's side edged out a determined Fulham outfit managed by Marco Silva.

The game began with United asserting early dominance, pressing high and forcing Fulham into errors. In the opening minutes, Bruno Fernandes tested Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno with a low drive from the edge of the box, but Leno was equal to it, parrying the shot away. United's midfield, anchored by Casemiro and new signing Matthijs de Ligt, looked solid, with the Dutch defender making his presence felt immediately by winning crucial aerial duels. Fulham, however, were not content to sit back. They countered effectively through Adama Traoré, whose pace troubled United's left-back Luke Shaw on several occasions. One such run in the 10th minute led to a cross that found Andreas Pereira, but his header sailed over the bar.

As the first half progressed, United created the better chances. Mason Mount, starting in an advanced role, linked up well with Alejandro Garnacho, whose curling effort from 20 yards forced another save from Leno. Fulham's best opportunity came just before the half-hour mark when Alex Iwobi broke free on the right flank and delivered a teasing ball into the box. Raúl Jiménez met it with a powerful volley, but André Onana in the United goal pulled off a stunning reflex save to keep the scores level. The half ended goalless, with both teams showing tactical discipline but lacking the cutting edge in the final third. Commentators noted United's improved defensive organization compared to last season, crediting the integration of de Ligt alongside Lisandro Martínez.

The second half saw Fulham grow in confidence, pushing forward with more intent. Emile Smith Rowe, making his full debut for the visitors after his move from Arsenal, was lively, creating space with clever runs and nearly scoring when his shot from distance whistled past the post. United responded by introducing substitutes, with Ten Hag bringing on Scott McTominay for added energy in midfield. The game's turning point arrived in the 87th minute. Zirkzee, who had come on as a substitute just after the hour mark, latched onto a precise cross from Garnacho and poked the ball home from close range. The stadium erupted as the Dutch forward celebrated his dream debut, becoming the first United player since Anthony Martial in 2015 to score on his Premier League bow.

Fulham pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes, with Traoré's pace again causing problems. A late corner led to a scramble in the United box, where Calvin Bassey headed goalward, only for Onana to tip it over the bar. United held firm through five minutes of added time, with Harry Maguire making a crucial block to deny Jiménez a last-gasp chance. The final whistle confirmed a clean sheet and three points for the hosts, a positive start amid ongoing questions about squad depth and injuries.

Throughout the match, fan reactions highlighted the excitement around new signings. Supporters praised Zirkzee's composure under pressure, with many drawing comparisons to legendary United strikers who made immediate impacts. On the Fulham side, there was frustration at not converting promising spells into goals, with Silva's team showing they could compete but ultimately lacking ruthlessness. Post-match interviews captured the mood: Ten Hag emphasized the importance of patience and building momentum, saying, "It's a good start, but we know there's more to come." Silva, meanwhile, felt his team deserved at least a point, pointing to their dominance in possession during parts of the second half.

Tactically, United employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing Fernandes to roam freely behind striker Marcus Rashford, who had a quiet game by his standards but contributed to the build-up play. Fulham mirrored this setup but relied on quick transitions, exploiting spaces left by United's high line. Key statistics underscored the closeness of the contest: United enjoyed 55% possession, registering 12 shots to Fulham's 10, with both sides managing four on target. The match also featured robust challenges, including a yellow card for Casemiro after a late tackle on Smith Rowe, and another for Fulham's Antonee Robinson for dissent.

This victory sets a tone for United's season, with upcoming fixtures against Brighton and Liverpool on the horizon. For Fulham, the defeat is a setback but not a disaster, as they demonstrated resilience against a top side. The game served as a reminder of the Premier League's competitiveness, where fine margins—like Zirkzee's opportunistic finish—can decide outcomes. As the season unfolds, both teams will look to build on these early performances, with United aiming to challenge for top-four honors and Fulham targeting mid-table security.

Broader context from the evening included updates on other Premier League news. Arsenal's Mikel Arteta spoke about his team's preparations for their opener against Wolves, emphasizing squad fitness. Elsewhere, reports emerged of Chelsea's ongoing transfer pursuits, with links to Napoli's Victor Osimhen heating up. In international football, there were mentions of England's interim manager Lee Carsley naming his first squad, including recalls for several players. However, the focus remained squarely on Old Trafford, where United's blend of youth and experience secured a vital win.

The atmosphere at the Theatre of Dreams was electric, with over 73,000 fans in attendance, chanting throughout and creating a wall of noise that seemed to inspire the late breakthrough. Zirkzee's goal not only won the match but also ignited hopes that United's summer investments could propel them back to contention. For neutrals, the encounter was a classic example of Premier League drama—tense, tactical, and decided by a moment of magic.

In summary, this opener encapsulated the highs and lows of top-flight football: defensive battles, near misses, and a hero's emergence. Manchester United will take confidence from the result, while Fulham can hold their heads high despite the loss. As the weekend's fixtures continue, all eyes will be on how other teams respond in what promises to be an enthralling season. (Word count: 912)

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cp3ekrkqr2et ]