The hitman got off the mark with a scrappy finish and salvaged a largely uninspiring Premier League opener from Erik ten Hag's side
Joshua Zirkzee is off the mark and so are Manchester United. The Dutch striker was paraded before fans at Old Trafford before kick off along with fellow new arrivals Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui but he stole the show with a scrappy but lethal late finish.
United had created some fine moves in the first half, with Casemiro at the helm and playing like a No. 10. The Brazilian had five shots in the first half without hitting the target but the clearest chances fell to Bruno Fernandes, who was twice thwarted by Bernd Leno.
United kept pushing for a goal and finally got one when substitute Alejandro Garnacho crossed for Zirkzee, who scuffed the ball into the net in front of the Stretford End. Garnacho should have added a second but missed the target with the goal gaping.
Still, United have three points and they have a new Dutch striking hero, which is not the worst way to start the season.
GOAL rates Man United's players from Old Trafford…
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Andre Onana (6/10):
Tipped two dipping shots over the bar. His distribution was a little slow.
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):
A decent, albeit unremarkable, debut. Didn't get forward too much but kept Alex Iwobi quiet.
Harry Maguire (7/10):
Looked sharper than last week, his passing was good and he made a vital block to prevent a dangerous Fulham counter.
Lisandro Martinez (6/10):
Provided one lethal ball from deep to Fernandes but also made a sloppy backpass which could have proved costly. Compensated by making a crucial late clearance.
Diogo Dalot (5/10):
Less comfortable attacking on the left but defended well.
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Casemiro (7/10):
Played like a No. 10, probing with incisive passes and taking plenty of shots. Further proof his demise has been exaggerated.
Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):
Created some space with his silky movements and came close with a shot from the edge of the box.
Mason Mount (5/10):
Linked up well with Amad and got in dangerous areas but should have done better with his chance inside the area after good work by Rashford.
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Amad Diallo (5/10):
Didn't really get into the game and was predictably taken off for Garnacho.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Lively and heavily involved but should have scored with at least one of his first-half chances.
Marcus Rashford (6/10):
Caused some danger in the second half but didn't frighten Fulham enough. Put the ball on a plate for Garnacho and was let down by his team-mate's finishing.
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Joshua Zirkzee (7/10):
Linked up well with the attack and delivered the winning touch.
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
His runs in behind provided some late spark. Set up the goal but loses a mark for his dreadful miss.
Jonny Evans (N/A):
Brought on in the 80th minute and made a couple of important headers.
Matthijs de Ligt (N/A):
Made his debut in the 80th minute.
Scott McTominay (N/A):
Helped cause the chaos in the area which Zirkzee pounced on.
Erik ten Hag (6/10):
The team were more solid than last season and his changes got the all-important first win.