A late goal by new signing Joshua Zirkzee earned Manchester United a nervy 1-0 victory over Fulham in their Premier League season opener at Old Trafford on Friday.

Home supporters were in buoyant mood ahead of the first game of the English top-flight campaign, with four new signings unveiled on the pitch and new faces in the United boardroom also in attendance. After so much change over the course of the summer, optimism was high.

Just as they did at home for much of last season, however, United struggled to break down their opponent in the first half, with captain Bruno Fernandes going closest to breaking the deadlock and Fulham looked dangerous when playing on the counter.

Frustrations grew after the break as it looked like a winner would elude the hosts, only for substitute Zirkzee to arrive right on cue three minutes from time to give United the three points.

Man Utd vs Fulham latest news

• Zirkzee scores late winner on dream Man Utd debut in late Fulham win

• Man Utd player ratings: Zirkzee the hero as Mount's struggles continue

• Ten Hag hails Zirkzee as Man United boss explains Sancho absence

• Silva laments 'same story' as Fulham suffer late Man United defeat

Good night!

23:37 , Jonathan Gorrie

Thanks for joining Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Manchester United’s late win over Fulham.

Find our report, ratings, analysis and reaction below!

Silva laments 'same story' as Fulham suffer late Man United defeat

23:36 , Jonathan Gorrie

Marco Silva insists Fulham deserved a positive result despite losing 1-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Friday.

The Cottagers fell to Joshua Zirkzee’s late debut goal in the new Premier League season’s curtain-raiser, and Silva felt his side were cruelly denied a point they deserved.

Last season saw United stunned by Fulham when Alex Iwobi’s stoppage-time winner sealed a 2-1 victory for the London club at Old Trafford.

Read the full story here!

Ten Hag hails Zirkzee as Man United boss explains Sancho absence

23:25 , Jonathan Gorrie

Erik ten Hag has explained why he urged Manchester United to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, after the summer recruit scored a late winner to help the Red Devils beat Fulham 1-0 in their Premier League opener.

Zirkzee scored a clever flicked goal on 87 minutes to cap off a dream debut off the bench at Old Trafford on Friday night.

He joined United from Bologna for a £35.8million fee this summer and was making his first appearance for the club, as were ex-Bayern Munich pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

Read the full story here!

Martinez jokes he sent Traore 'to the gym' as Man United beat Fulham

23:13 , Jonathan Gorrie

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez joked that he sent Adama Traore “to the gym” after their late win over Fulham.

Joshua Zirkzee scored a dream goal on his debut as Erik ten Hag’s side claimed a late three points at Old Trafford to kick off their Premier League campaign with a victory.

Martinez started alongside Harry Maguire in central defence, with United missing summer signing Leny Yoro due to injury and fellow new arrival Matthijs De Ligt on the bench.

The Argentine international was asked questions by Traore in the opening stages before eventually dealing with the Spaniard, robbing him of the ball when running into the box and causing the Fulham star to fall to the floor.

Read the full story here!

Familiar frustration for Fulham on otherwise impressive Premier League opener

22:46 , Jonathan Gorrie

New season, new faces, new hopes, new dreams. But for Fulham, the same sense of dejection after facing Manchester United.

They looked to have turned over a new leaf against the Red Devils in February, when Alex Iwobi’s last-gasp winner stunned Old Trafford to brought an end to a long run of one-goal defeats in which United had struck late against them.

Read the full story here!

Manchester United 1-0 Fulham

22:29 , Jonathan Gorrie

Standard Sport’s Dom Smith’s closing thoughts...

Man Utd player ratings: Zirkzee the hero as Mount's struggles continue

22:05 , Jonathan Gorrie

Manchester United struck late to win their Premier League opener 1-0 against Fulham at Old Trafford.

Joshua Zirkzee was the hero, flicking the winner off the bench to cap off a dream debut for United having joined this summer from Bologna.

It had been an even match to that point, with Bruno Fernandes twice denied from close range by Bernd Leno.

Dom Smith was in position at Old Trafford to rate the United players’ performances…

Zirkzee scores late winner on dream Man Utd debut in late Fulham win

21:55 , Jonathan Gorrie

Joshua Zirkzee scored an 87th-minute winner on his Manchester United debut in their late win over Fulham to kick off the new Premier League season.Read our full report here!

FT: Man Utd 1-0 Fulham

21:53 , Jonathan Gorrie

But it does not matter!

Man Utd claim opening day win thanks to Zirkzee’s late strike!

Man Utd 1-0 Fulham

21:52 , Jonathan Gorrie

94 mins: Comedy of errors as Bassey misses the ball, allowing Rashford.

He squares to Garnacho, who scuffs it from yards out with an open goal.

Man Utd 1-0 Fulham

21:50 , Jonathan Gorrie

92 mins: So close to a second for United as Garnacho slides to meet Fernandes’ cross but Leno clears.

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

21:47 , Jonathan Gorrie

United needed a hero, and they have one. Joshua Zirkzee on debut.

GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Fulham | Joshua Zirkzee '87

21:46 , Jonathan Gorrie

87 mins: A dream debut!

Zirkzee prods the ball home after Garnacho’s cross! Heartbreak for Fulham!

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

21:43 , Jonathan Gorrie

85 mins: It’s getting somewhat end-to-end in the closing stages.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

21:41 , Jonathan Gorrie

81 mins: Stunning defending from Tete to cut out Garnacho’s cross before Rashford can tap in.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

21:35 , Jonathan Gorrie

77 mins: Getting a bit messy at the back for United, Maguire having to put his body on the line to deny Muniz after giving the ball away.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

21:32 , Jonathan Gorrie

73 mins: Martinez clears lines as Fulham counter. Great defending.

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

21:26 , Jonathan Gorrie

"We're top of the league", cry the Fulham fans. It remains 0-0.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

21:21 , Jonathan Gorrie

63 mins: Smith Rowe’s debut comes to and, with Cairney replacing him.

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

21:20 , Jonathan Gorrie

Really good work by Muniz there to fashion a bicycle kick out of nothing. Fulham beginning to threaten as this second half wears on.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

21:20 , Jonathan Gorrie

61 mins: Onana tips a deflected overhead kick from Muniz over the bar!

Would have been some goal, albeit the deflection would have played a huge part.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

21:19 , Jonathan Gorrie

60 mins: And here comes the changes!

Zirkzee and Garnacho replace Mount and Amad.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

21:14 , Jonathan Gorrie

55 mins: More patient play from United sees Mainoo collect the ball from just outside the box but he drags his shot wide.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

21:11 , Jonathan Gorrie

53 mins: Leno now denies Mount from close range!

He’s having some game!

Back underway!

21:03 , Jonathan Gorrie

No changes at the break!

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

20:47 , Jonathan Gorrie

Goalless at the break, then, and that feels about right. United have had the edge in terms of chances, but it's been a fairly evenly contested match, and Fulham have been solid enough that they don't deserve to be behind. All to play for at the midway point.

HT: Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

20:47 , Jonathan Gorrie

45 mins: Red Devils grow into the game after Fulham’s sharp start.

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

20:42 , Jonathan Gorrie

Maguire booked for a dive. He's remonstrating with referee Robert Jones but the call is absolutely spot on. Smith Rowe never touched Maguire.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

20:41 , Jonathan Gorrie

40 mins: Maguire wants a penalty after being brought down in the box but it’s waved away.

He gets a booking for his reaction.

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

20:36 , Jonathan Gorrie

Outstanding save from Leno to keep Fulham level. What a move from United, though, pulling Fulham apart as Casemiro played through to defenders for Fernandes.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

20:35 , Jonathan Gorrie

34 mins: Big save from Leno!

A lovely ball from Casemiro sees Fernandes through on goal but the Fulham goalkeeper denies him again!

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

20:30 , Jonathan Gorrie

28 mins: Huge chance for United as Leno rolls the ball straight into their path.

The keeper, however, saves from Fernandes to avoid a shocker!

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

20:27 , Jonathan Gorrie

26 mins: Casemiro fires over from just outside the box. Wild strike,

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

20:26 , Jonathan Gorrie

25 mins: United are really struggling to break Fulham down, while the away side look very dangerous on the counter.

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

20:20 , Jonathan Gorrie

Absolutely the right call to book Mount there. Stops Smith Rowe countering, having done exactly the same against Tete moments earlier.

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

20:16 , Jonathan Gorrie

A decent ball into the box from Fernandes, but no one is there to attack it for United. They really need Hojlund back fit, for his striker's mindset. Then Tete gets away from Mount and curls so close to the top corner. Might have gone in but for Onana's save.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

20:13 , Jonathan Gorrie

12 mins: Tete looks to curl one into the top corner but Onana meets it!

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

20:13 , Jonathan Gorrie

11 mins: Brilliant run from Amad into the box and is brought down but the appeals are waved away.

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

20:08 , Jonathan Gorrie

Smith Rowe dropping deep to receive from Fulham's defence, just as he did at Arsenal.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

20:08 , Jonathan Gorrie

07 mins: First chance for Fulham as Traore bursts past Dalot before pulling back, though United clear before Iwobi can connect.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

20:07 , Jonathan Gorrie

06 mins: Mazraoui is actually on the right, with Dalot on the left.

Both full-backs are inverting.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

20:04 , Jonathan Gorrie

02 mins: United having most of the ball in these very early stages, though Fulham are in a good shape.

Man Utd 0-0 Fulham

20:01 , Jonathan Gorrie

01 mins: Rashford thinks he’s in early after a lovely ball from Casemiro but the striker is way offside.

KICK-OFF!

20:00 , Jonathan Gorrie

Away we go for the new season!

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

19:51 , Jonathan Gorrie

Surprise start at right-back for Kenny Tete, who played second fiddle to Timothy Castagne for much of last season. And with the attacking riches Fulham have at their disposal, Adama Traore is potentially a big of s surprise start too. That said, Marco Silva is understood to expect a lot from Traore this season after a slightly injury-plagued first campaign at the club. Can either player stake a claim to start more often by excelling here?

Manchester United vs Fulham

19:50 , Jonathan Gorrie

A first look at Manchester United’s new signings!

Manchester United vs Fulham

19:32 , Jonathan Gorrie

Gary Neville and Roy Keane react as Bruno Fernandes signs a new contract with Manchester United

Manchester United vs Fulham

19:13 , Jonathan Gorrie

Standard Sport’s Dom Smith from Old Trafford!

Manchester United vs Fulham

19:10 , Jonathan Gorrie

No Jadon Sancho in the squad despite appearing to be handed a lifeline at United over pre-season...

Manchester United vs Fullham

19:09 , Jonathan Gorrie

A debut from the start for Mazraoui, while De Ligt is on the bench.

Confirmed Fulham lineup

19:04 , Jonathan Gorrie

Fulham XI: Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Pereira; Smith Rowe, Iwobi, Traore; Muniz

Subs: Benda, Castagne, Cuenca, Reed, Cairney, King, Wilson, Jimenez, Stansfield

Confirmed Manchester United lineup

18:59

Man Utd XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Mount; Rashford

Subs: Bayindir, De Ligt, Evans, Collyer, Eriksen, McTominay, Antony, Garnahco, Zirkzee

Erik ten Hag sets out Luke Shaw injury return plan amid talk of signing replacement

18:37 , Jonathan Gorrie

Erik ten Hag insists he is “looking forward” to Luke Shaw’s return from injury amid talk of Manchester United plotting to bolster their options at left-back.

Shaw has been earmarked for a return from a calf problem after next month’s international break, having picked up the injury in training.

Read the full story here!

Emile Smith Rowe tipped for return to 'best level' at Fulham after Arsenal exit

18:22 , Jonathan Gorrie

Marco Silva says he will help Emile Smith Rowe return to his “best level” at Fulham.

Smith Rowe has joined Fulham from Arsenal for a club-record fee of £34million and hopes to revitalise his career at Craven Cottage after struggling with both fitness and form.

The midfielder is in line to make his Fulham debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Friday night and Silva said: “The main thing for me was to feel the desire from Emile to come to our club.

Read the full story here!

Erik ten Hag responds to claims of bias towards Dutch and ex-Ajax players

18:10

Erik ten Hag dismissed suggestions he prefers players with experience of Dutch football after Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui became the latest to join Manchester United this week.

The defenders completed moves from Bayern Munich to Old Trafford on Tuesday, linking back up with their former Ajax manager ahead of the Premier League opener against Fulham.

Read the full story here!

Emile Smith Rowe and Ryan Sessegnon look to rebuild stalling careers with underappreciated Marco Silva

18:04 , Jonathan Gorrie

The start of a third straight season in the Premier League shows the good and often underappreciated job Marco Silva has done in shaking off Fulham’s ‘yo-yo club’ tag.

Silva has a relentless drive for improvement from his team, and building on last season’s 13th-place finish feels well within reach.

When Silva signed a new contract in October, it suggested assurances had been made that he would be backed in the transfer market.

Fulham have not splashed the cash this summer, but the signing of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal for £27million plus £7m in add-ons marks an exciting addition.

Read the full story here!

What is Snapdragon? Manchester United's new kit sponsor explained

17:46 , Jonathan Gorrie

Manchester United will today debut a new sponsor on the front of their kit to English audiences.

The Red Devils meet Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley, having beaten their rivals in the FA Cup final back in May.

While United have been wearing their new kit in pre-season, it will be the first time many supporters would have seen this season’s release since news of a sponsor broke in September.

Read the full story here!

Man Utd vs Fulham: Latest Premier League odds today

17:35 , Jonathan Gorrie

Man Utd to win: 6/10

Fulham to win: 4/1

Draw: 10/3

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

Man Utd vs Fulham: Head to head (h2h) history and results

17:34 , Jonathan Gorrie

Fulham’s win in February ended a 15-year wait to beat Manchester United.

Man Utd wins: 56

Fulham wins: 15

Draws: 20

Man Utd vs Fulham: Premier League prediction

17:31 , Jonathan Gorrie

This first game of the season is a bit of a free hit for Fulham but United looked improved in the Community Shield, so a narrow win is on the cards for the hosts.

Man Utd to win, 2-1.

Man Utd vs Fulham: Premier League prediction

17:31 , Jonathan Gorrie

This first game of the season is a bit of a free hit for Fulham but United looked improved in the Community Shield, so a narrow win is on the cards for the hosts.

Man Utd to win, 2-1.

Fulham team news vs Man Utd today

17:30 , Jonathan Gorrie

Fulham have no injury concerns ahead of tonight’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Manchester United, with Emile Smith Rowe set to make his debut.

The Cottagers finished 10th in the top-flight last term and will be buoyed by the memory of beating United 2-1 at Old Trafford in February.

Smith Rowe is likely to be handed his competitive debut by Fulham boss Marco Silva after impressing in pre-season following a £34million move from Arsenal.

Fellow new signings Jorge Cuenca, the centre-back from Villarreal, and Ryan Sessegnon, who rejoined the club as a free agent following his release by Tottenham, are also in contention to feature against United.

However, Antonee Robinson is likely to start ahead of Sessegnon at left-back, and Silva could select Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey as his centre-back pairing to face Erik ten Hag’s FA Cup holders.

Rodrigo Muniz is expected to get the nod up front, despite the presence of Raul Jimenez and academy graduate Jay Stansfield, the latter of whom scored freely in pre-season and could stay with the club this term rather than going out on loan again.

Man Utd team vs Fulham today

17:30 , Jonathan Gorrie

Manchester United look set to hand Matthijs de Ligt his debut in tonight’s Premier League opener against Fulham.

Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to start the new campaign in more positive fashion after last weekend’s Community Shield defeat by Manchester City on penalties at Wembley.

De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui are both available for the top-flight curtain-raiser at Old Trafford after their respective arrivals from Bayern Munich and Ten Hag has confirmed they will be in the squad as he mulls over naming them in the starting lineup.

With Luke Shaw now out until next month’s international break with a calf injury, Tyrell Malacia still unavailable and Aaron Wan-Bissaka joining West Ham, Man Utd are short of options at full-back.

If Mazraoui is not brought in to either play on the left or Diogo Dalot moved over from the right flank, Lisandro Martinez is likely to fill in at left-back once again.

“We were looking and we can sort problems over the left side,” Ten Hag said on Thursday. “For instance Licha Martinez and Diogo Dalot are capable of playing there.

“Mazraoui is an additional one who can fill the position as long as Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia aren't in the team. They are different and I think it's quite difficult to put him under pressure, especially in English football, that can be very beneficial.”

There could be a reshuffle in attack, with Alejandro Garnacho impressing off the bench in the Community Shield and potentially doing enough to come into the side.

Should he do so, Marcus Rashford could move up front, with Garnacho on the left wing and Amad Diallo on the opposite flank. Mason Mount would likely be the man to drop out, with Bruno Fernandes moving back into the No10 role.

Joshua Zirkzee was an unused substitute at Wembley, but could feature here as he also hopes to earn a debut.

Rasmus Hojlund is out with a hamstring injury, while Leny Yoro faces a lengthy wait for his first competitive appearance for United after undergoing foot surgery. The summer signing is not expected to return until October.

“Issues are there but it's not about the players who are not available,” Ten Hag stated. “It's about the players who are available. We have a good group, we can make a strong selection, we can put out a strong team and we will do.”

Man Utd vs Fulham: TV channel and live stream for Premier League today

17:29 , Jonathan Gorrie

TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League. Coverage begins at 7pm.

Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with our reporter Dom Smith at Old Trafford.

Welcome

17:17 , Jonathan Gorrie

Good evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Manchester United’s clash with Fulham in the first game of the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Kick-off from Old Trafford is at 8pm BST.