Joshua Zirkzee admits his match-winning Man United debut was a 'dream' come true

Joshua Zirkzee described his match-winning Manchester United debut as a 'dream' come true after coming off the bench to help his new side defeat Fulham.

Zirkzee, who joined United from Bologna this summer in a £36.5million move, was an unused substitute last weekend in the Community Shield but made his mark under the lights to condemn Fulham to a 1-0 defeat.

Sent on for Mason Mount with 30 minutes to go, Zirkzee endeared himself by scoring the winner in front of the Stretford End, converting Alejandro Garnacho's cross.

'To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn't be better,' the Dutchman told Sky Sports.

'I've been told [scoring at the Stretford End] is one of the best feelings at Man Utd. I'm so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It's an amazing feeling.

'At the end of the day we got the win, that's all we wanted. I can't really explain the feeling, it's just very nice.'

Ten Hag called for patience of Zirkzee earlier this week, alluding to his limited preparation time in pre-season after being at Euro 2024.

But the forward, who counts Bayern Munich among his former clubs, feels right at home in England already.

'I feel very warm here,' he said. 'It's a great team. We want to achieve something great. It's been amazing, it's been a dream actually.

'The manager told me to bring an energy and help the team as much as possible, just that.

'Manchester United is a huge club. You should always strive for the best. That includes day by day giving 100 per cent, that's the plan. It's all good vibes.'

Zirkzee became the sixth Dutchman to score on his Old Trafford debut for United after Jordi Cruyff, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Robin van Persie, Alexander Buttner and Donny van de Beek.

It was a frustrating evening for large spells for United, who should have been ahead earlier in the game when Bruno Fernandes had two golden opportunities denied by Bernd Leno from close range.

For Ten Hag, as much as there will have been relief to open the season with a win, he was left delighted to see his new signing make his mark.

'Scoring for a striker is important,' he said. 'He should be there to kill.

'First game, but it is good to strengthen the belief. I have seen many spaces where we have to improve but that is normal.'