MANCHESTER UNITED new-boy Joshua Zirkzee was branded “pure class” after staying behind to meet his new adoring fans outside Old Trafford.
The Red Devils’ new striker bagged the decisive goal on his debut as the home side claimed a late 1-0 victory over Fulham in their season opener.
Zirkzee rose from the bench to score the decisive goal, from fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho‘s curling cross with three minutes of normal time remaining.
And after the nervy finish, the Netherlands international managed to warm hearts.
In live Sky footage the 23-year-old could be seen greeting a group of excitable United fans waiting outside the ground to meet their hero.
He smiled for selfies and signed autographs for everyone waiting.
Zirkzee, decked out in his United tracksuit, was happy to talk and engage with the adoring fans before heading to his car.
And the superb gesture went down well online too.
One fan wrote: “He has won the hearts of United fans everywhere.”
A second said: “Class on and off the pitch! What a way to start his journey with the supporters.”
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Another replied: “Good on him, and that’s great to see.”
A fourth commented: “Class act.”
A fifth typed: “That’s how you win over fans!”
On the pitch, Zirkzee couldn’t contain his elation after scoring the winner in an otherwise stale United team performance.
The Dutch star said: “To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn’t be better.
“I’ve been told scoring at the Stretford End is one of the best feelings at United.
“I’m so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It’s an amazing feeling. I’m pinching myself.
“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.
“I feel very warm here. It’s a great team. We want to achieve something great. It’s been amazing, it’s been a dream actually.”
DEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.
The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.
Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.
Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.
Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…
Andre Onana – 6
Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.
Harry Maguire – 7
Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.
Casemiro – 7
Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.
Mason Mount – 5
So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.
Amad Diallo – 5
Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.
Subs
Alejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6
Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7
The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.
Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5
Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to do
Jonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5
Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5
