Manchester United suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City on Saturday as their Premier League campaign got off to a nightmare start.
Michael Carrick’s side were undone by first-half goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy at the MKM Stadium as Hull marked their return to the top flight with a memorable victory.
Hull, playing in the Premier League for the first time since 2017, were missing 10 players through injury but produced an energetic and fearless display to expose United’s shortcomings.
The defeat represents a chastening start to the season for United, who are expected to challenge for the Premier League title after finishing third last campaign.
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There was little evidence at the MKM Stadium that Carrick’s side are ready to compete with defending champions Arsenal, who began their title defence with a convincing victory over Coventry City.
United midfield struggles
United’s new midfield signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos endured difficult competitive debuts, with neither player being able to influence proceedings after arriving from Aston Villa and Chelsea, respectively.
Carrick had dismissed suggestions that United had been handed an easy start to the season, with the trip to Hull followed by a home fixture against another promoted side, Ipswich Town.
His warning proved justified as Hull produced one of the biggest opening-day surprises in recent Premier League history.
Former England captain Alan Shearer was scathing in his assessment of United’s performance.
“Man United have been shocking; no hunger. They’ve been terrible,” the BBC pundit said.
Pressure mounts on Carrick
Carrick’s calm leadership during his interim spell last season played a major role in United’s recovery following Ruben Amorim’s turbulent tenure.
However, the expectations have changed since Carrick was appointed permanent manager.
With United targeting their first English league title since 2013, Carrick now faces significantly greater pressure to deliver results.
The United boss has already called for further reinforcements, with the club agreeing a £70 million deal to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Saturday’s performance is likely to strengthen Carrick’s case for further additions before the transfer window closes.
Hull defy the doubters
Hull returned to the Premier League after finishing sixth in the Championship last season and winning promotion through the play-offs.
They became the first team since Blackpool in 2010 to finish sixth in the second tier and secure promotion through the play-offs.
Manager Sergej Jakirovic had insisted during pre-season that Hull could defy predictions that they would struggle for survival.
His players delivered an emphatic response on Saturday.
The victory also marked the first time Hull had beaten a promoted side on the opening day of a Premier League season.
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