Manchester United Begins Season with Mixed Performance Against Fulham

Manchester United kicked off the 2024/25 Premier League season with a narrow victory over Fulham, thanks to a late goal from Joshua Zirkzee. However, the match highlighted ongoing challenges as the team continues to transition under manager Erik ten Hag. Despite finishing eighth in the league last season, United's FA Cup win was pivotal in retaining ten Hag's position, as new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS seek to see improvement this year. In the season opener, Noussair Mazraoui was the only new signing to feature in the starting lineup, aimed at enhancing the team's possession play. The addition of talented centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, who previously worked with ten Hag at Ajax, is expected to bolster United's defensive capabilities. However, concerns remain regarding de Ligt's pace, which may limit ten Hag's strategy of pushing the defensive line higher up the pitch. This season is crucial for ten Hag, as he must demonstrate his suitability for the managerial role at Old Trafford. The pressure is on to deliver results, particularly with the new signings, including de Ligt, who are seen as key to the team's success. As Manchester United embarks on this new campaign, the performance against Fulham serves as a reminder of the work still needed to achieve their ambitions in the Premier League.