TEN HAG WANTS MORE OF ZIRKZEE

United boss says new striker's debut goal in opener will give him and team confidence

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is delighted with how Joshua Zirkzee has kicked off his English Premier League career, and hopes for more of the same from his new striker when they travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Aug 24.

Zirkzee, signed from Bologna in July, came off the bench to score in a 1-0 win over Fulham in United's league opener on Aug 16, displaying the nimble dribbling skills that the 1.93m Dutchman is known for.

"Very pleasing that a player who is a striker scores his first goal in his first game," ten Hag said on Aug 22. "That will give him confidence, we're very pleased that it's happened.

"I give the comparison last year with Rasmus Hojlund (on his Old Trafford debut) that when he scored against Brighton and the VAR looked, five minutes later they came to the conclusion the ball had crossed the line (for a goal kick) and he then had to wait three months for his first Premier League goal.

"So it helps absolutely (Zirkzee) scoring his first goal (on his debut), it gives him confidence and gives us confidence as a team. Very good progress."