Manchester United crashed to a humiliating 2-0 defeat against promoted Hull City on Saturday, making a dismal start to their Premier League campaign.
Michael Carrick’s side conceded two first-half goals at the MKM Stadium. Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scored as Hull celebrated their first Premier League win over United since 2017.
The defeat raises early questions for United after the club finished third last season and entered the new campaign with hopes of challenging for the title.
Hull Overcome Injury Problems
Hull returned to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
Despite missing 10 players through injury, the Tigers produced an energetic performance and exposed United’s weaknesses.
Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic had insisted his side could prove critics wrong. Many pundits had tipped the promoted club for relegation.
Instead, Hull delivered an impressive performance against one of the league’s biggest teams.
Ajayi Opens the Scoring
United started brightly and created several early opportunities.
Bryan Mbeumo forced a save from Hull debutant goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis. Soon after, Matheus Cunha tested the goalkeeper with a low strike.
However, Hull gradually grew into the match.
Oli McBurnie first forced a good save from United goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Then, Hull took the lead in the 17th minute.
McBurnie escaped United’s marking during a corner and fired a shot that Lammens could only push away.
Ajayi reacted quickly and scored from close range.
The goal gave Hull their first Premier League goal in nine years.
Mendy Doubles Hull’s Lead
United had an opportunity to equalise when Patrick Dorgu failed to convert a promising chance.
However, the visitors continued to struggle defensively.
Hull doubled their advantage in the 38th minute. Regan Slater delivered a precise free-kick, and Mendy powered his header past Lammens.
As a result, Hull took a 2-0 lead into halftime.
United Fail to Find a Response
Carrick introduced Marcus Rashford at the start of the second half.
However, the change failed to spark a comeback.
Hull continued to look dangerous, while United struggled to create clear chances.
Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos were both substituted midway through the second half after quiet debuts.
Nevertheless, the changes made little difference as United failed to score.
Early Pressure on Michael Carrick
The defeat represents a disappointing beginning for Carrick’s first full season as Manchester United’s permanent manager.
Carrick had helped revive the club during his interim spell following Ruben Amorim’s departure. However, he now faces greater expectations.
United are expected to challenge for their first English league title since 2013.
Carrick has also asked for further signings, with United reportedly agreeing a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
After such a poor opening performance, the pressure will increase ahead of United’s next Premier League match against another promoted side, Ipswich.
