Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag involved in awkward exchange with Roy Keane after Fulham win

The Netherlands international, who was recently signed from Serie A side Bologna, was initially left on the bench.

Yet Zirkzee made the most of his brief time on the pitch, with the striker sweeping home following a good cross from Alejandro Garnacho.

After the game, Ten Hag spoke to Sky Sports with former United captain Keane working as a pundit.

Keane was asked if there was anything he wanted to add after Ten Hag's post-match interview, with the Irishman replying by saying he was 'just listening' and there was a 'good vibe' going on.

Ten Hag then quipped: "Oh you don't want to spoil the vibes, no?"

He placed his hand on Keane's shoulder, with the former United skipper then responding by saying: "Not tonight, next week, next week."

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Ten Hag said: "I know, thank you."

And Keane then joked that he'd be 'waiting' before adding: "Just keep winning, it's easy, it'll be no problem."

Ten Hag was pleased that United got the win, despite being far from their best.

He believes his side can improve yet says their lethargy at times was 'normal' due to the fixture being the first match of the season.

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"It's just [the] first game. But it's good to strengthen the belief, confidence in the team," he said.

"But it's not only the win but also the performance that's okay.

"And, I have seen many spaces where we can, and where we have to, improve. But that's normal, first game of the season."

Ten Hag also opted to praise Zirkzee after the new United signing scored on his debut.

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"Yes [he gets involved in build-up] but scoring, for a striker, is important," continued the 54-year-old.

"He should be there, where he was, to finish, to kill. But yeah, he has more qualities, so he has to get the right balance.

"We have to work with him, I think that's one of the things I spoke with him about, that he has to be arriving in the box to get his finishes, but, of course, we want him to link up. Therefore, also, for that attribute, we bought him.

"And he has great qualities to make that link-up play and we have some great midfielders around him who can make combinations so we can take hold of the game."

United are next in action against Brighton next Saturday (12.30pm).

The Red Devils won that clash 2-0 at the Amex Stadium back in May following goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund.