Three Dutch forwards and three dream Old Trafford debuts against the same rival

The first-ever Dutch forward wearing a Man United jersey, Ruud van Nistelrooy, started it all. He arrived from PSV Eindhoven in 2001 and had a chance to debut in the first round against Fulham at Old Trafford. It didn't begin well for the Red Devils, given that they were behind twice, but then Van Nistelrooy appeared, scoring a brace in the second half and bringing his team a 3-2 victory. Even though Arsenal clinched the title that season, the Dutchman turned out to be one of the best forwards in United's history, netting 150 times in 219 appearances.

The next forward from the Netherlands at Old Trafford, Robin van Persie, raised a lot of dust not only in England but throughout Europe after deciding to replace Arsenal's jersey with Man United's. Van Persie spent eight seasons in North London and even was the Gunners' captain. And while Arsenal fans felt betrayed, the Red Devils knew they got one of the best scorers in European football.

Transfer window is still open, but Man Utd has already secured the most important deal

Van Persie debuted in a 1-0 loss against Everton at Goodison Park, but his Old Trafford debut couldn't end without him scoring. And guess against which club... Fulham was United's victim, and once more, it was a 3-2 triumph! The Cottagers took the lead already after three minutes, with Van Persie scoring the equalizer in the 10th minute. However, unlike Van Nistelrooy, his seven years younger compatriot won the Premier League in his first season at Old Trafford.

Finally, Joshua Zirkzee's 87th-minute winner against Fulham two days ago reminded many United fans - who are hoping to have brought a scoring machine for the years to come - of his two renowned fellow countrymen and fellow forwards.

There were two different examples, though. Memphis Depay joined the Red Devils in 2015 from PSV but didn't meet expectations. He spent only a year and a half in England before moving to Olympique Lyon, scoring seven goals in 53 appearances, with his first Premier League goal in the red jersey coming only after almost two months with the club.

Wout Weghorst's spell at Old Trafford was even worse than Depay's. Namely, he spent only five months in Manchester on loan from Burnley, made 31 appearances, and netted only twice, not in the Premier League, though, but in the EFL Cup and UEFA Europa League.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 1

Friday

Man.Utd. - Fulham 1-0 (0-0)

/Zirkzee 87/

Saturday

Ipswich - Liverpool 0-2 (0-0)

/Jota 60, Salah 65/

Arsenal - Wolverhampton 2-0 (1-0)

/Havertz 25 Saka 74 /

Everton - Brighton 0-3 (0-1)

/Mitoma 25, Welbeck 56, Adingra 86/

Newcastle - Southampton 1-0 (1-0)

/Joelington 45/

Nott.Forest - Bournemouth 1-1 (1-0)

/Wood 23 - Semenyo 86/

West Ham - Aston Villa 1-2 (1-1)

/Paqueta 37(p) - Onana 3, Duran 79/

Sunday

Brentford - Crystal Palace 2-1 (1-0)

/Mbeumo 29, Wissa 76 - Pinnock 57 og/

18:30: (4.20) Chelsea (3.80) Man.City (1.90)

Monday

22:00: (5.20) Leicester (4.00) Tottenham (1.65)

***odds are subject to change***