Manchester United opened their new Premier League campaign with a 1-0 success over Fulham on Friday night, with the result taking the Red Devils to the top of the table.
Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to hit the winner for the 20-time English champions on his debut, with the Netherlands international turning a cross from Alejandro Garnacho into the bottom corner from inside the box.
Here, Sports Mole picks out three talking points from the contest, as Man United made the perfect start to their 2024-25 season.
Zirkee proves to be Man United hero on encouraging debut
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Zirkee joined up with his Man United teammates late due to his involvement for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, and he was only an unused substitute in the Community Shield against Manchester City last weekend.
The Dutchman's appearance on Friday was therefore his first for the club, and he made a huge impression during his 30 minutes on the field.
Zirkzee finished the match with a pass success rate of 89%, and he was involved in a number of strong moves for Man United in the second period, with the 23-year-old impressing when he dropped into a deeper position.
Strikers are judged on goals, though, and it was an excellent finish from the Dutchman, who managed to poke a cross from Garnacho into the back of the net.
With Rasmus Hojlund out until the middle of September, there will be greater onus on Zirkzee to find the back of the net in the coming weeks, and he has made a very encouraging start to his career with the English giants.
Mazaroui stars in first Man United appearance
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Zirkzee was one of three Man United debutants on Friday, with Matthijs de Ligt appearing off the bench in the latter stages, while Noussair Mazraoui was given the nod from the first whistle, operating at right-back.
The Morocco international is far from his peak fitness, but he was one of Man United's standout players against Fulham, settling effortlessly into life at the club.
Mazraoui won three aerial duels and three tackles, while he completed 35 of his 38 passes before being substituted in the 81st minute.
The 26-year-old will be asked to contribute more from an attacking point of view over the next few weeks, but he was defensively excellent on Friday, making one notable challenge in the first period after strong work from Adama Traore down the right.
With Luke Shaw out until the middle of next month due to a calf problem, Mazraoui is likely to continue at right-back in the coming weeks, with Diogo Dalot needed on the opposite side.
Casemiro was back to his best for Man United
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Casemiro's form for long stages of last season was heavily criticised, and there has been speculation surrounding his future this summer.
However, head coach Erik ten Hag recently said that he is expecting the Brazilian to stay with the club beyond the transfer deadline, and the ex-Real Madrid midfielder was back to his best against Fulham.
The 32-year-old had three attempts, while he won two aerial duels and made four tackles; Casemiro's use of the ball was also excellent, and he looked a lot fitter than last season.
Man United are attempting to sign a new midfielder before the transfer deadline, with Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte their leading target, so it will be interesting to see whether Casemiro is still a starter come September, but his performance against Fulham was hugely encouraging.
The Brazilian, who has another two years left to run on his contract, was excellent in his first campaign at Old Trafford and will be looking to reach similar heights in 2024-25.
Matt Law
