These were the words of Manchester United’s assistant manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, as he lavished praise on new signing Joshua Zirkzee.
The young Dutch striker made a stunning impact off the bench, securing United’s winning goal in a dramatic match against Fulham, which ended 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee’s determination and confidence were evident even before he stepped onto the pitch.
After recovering from a minor injury that had sidelined him for the past few weeks, the forward was eager to prove himself to the team and the fans. His bold request to be included despite the risk paid off in spectacular fashion.
The match began with a tense atmosphere, as Fulham put up a formidable fight against United, holding the home side to a 1-1 draw until late in the second half.
With the clock ticking and the pressure mounting, van Nistelrooy made the decision to bring on Zirkzee, who had been pleading his case on the sidelines.
Zirkzee’s entrance was nothing short of electrifying. Within minutes, the 22-year-old forward showcased his remarkable skill, weaving through Fulham’s defense with the kind of finesse that has made him one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
In the 84th minute, he delivered a clinical finish that sent Old Trafford into a frenzy, securing the victory for United and marking his first goal in the Premier League.
The goal not only secured three crucial points for Manchester United but also etched Zirkzee’s name in the history books at Old Trafford.
He became one of the youngest player to score a debut goal for the club in the Premier League era, a feat that has already endeared him to the fans.
“What a wonderful start from Zirkzee,” van Nistelrooy continued in his post-match interview. “He has surely won the hearts of the fans today, and we can’t wait to see what more he has to offer.”
As the final whistle blew, the chants of “Zirkzee! Zirkzee!” echoed around Old Trafford, signaling the arrival of a new hero.
With this performance, Joshua Zirkzee has not only made a dream start to his United career but has also sent a clear message: he’s here to make his mark.
