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

Home supporters were in a buoyant mood ahead of the first match of the English top-flight campaign, with four new recruits unveiled on the pitch and new faces in the Manchester United boardroom also in attendance.

Manchester United struggled to break down its opponents in the first half, with captain Bruno Fernandes going closest to breaking the deadlock.

Frustrations grew after half-time as it looked like a winner would elude the hosts, only for substitute Zirkzee to arrive right on cue three minutes from time to earn Manchester United victory.

"To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn't be better," Zirkzee told Sky Sports.

"I've been told [scoring at the Stretford End] is one of the best feelings at Man United.

"I'm so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It's an amazing feeling.

"Manchester United is a huge club. You should always strive for the best. That includes day by day giving 100 per cent, that's the plan. It's all good vibes."

Without a Premier League title since 2013 and having addressed key problem areas in the transfer market, Manchester United supporters are expecting more than last season's eighth-placed finish.

When the action started on a fine evening, however, the mood around the stadium was less enthusiastic as Manchester United again looked short of ideas in attack.

A smart save from goalkeeper André Onana kept an early curling Kenny Tete effort out, while Fernandes was presented with two golden opportunities but was denied on both occasions.

Midfielder Mason Mount, handed a starting spot in the Manchester United team after an injury-ravaged first season at the club, went close early in the second half as the home side pressed.

More wayward passing led to groans from supporters, however, before despair turned to jubilation at the death when substitutes Alejandro Garnacho and Zirkzee combined to create the winner.

Reuters