Manchester United’s 2026/27 Premier League season couldn’t start worse than this.
Michael Carrick’s side were beaten 2-0 by newly promoted Hull City away from home, producing a performance that will leave plenty of questions for the United manager to answer. Hull took control in the first half and scored two from set pieces. Despite Manchester United having chances after the halftime, Hull never looked in serious danger of losing their 2-0 lead.
It was also a historic result for Hull City. They had not beaten Manchester United in a league match for 52 years, while this was their first-ever Premier League victory over the Reds.
The manner of the defeat will be particularly frustrating for Carrick. United went into the game knowing they would be expected to win, but Hull looked more comfortable from the start and punished two weaknesses from set pieces.
Readmanutd.com covered why United’s early games won’t be easy and exactly the outcome happened as they suffered an embarrassing opening day loss.
Michael Carrick refuses to panic after Hull defeat
Michael Carrick admitted United did not do enough to give themselves a chance of getting the result.
Manchester United did have opportunities after going behind, but they couldn’t find the response needed.
“Some was okay, obviously bits to improve on. It was never going to be perfect today but going today, giving ourselves a lot to do makes it more difficult,” Carrick said about the game.
“After that we had moments, we had opportunities. We just didn’t have that spark to then put the chances away or create any more.”
The result clearly hurt the United boss, but he isn’t prepared to allow one bad afternoon to define the team’s season.
“We are bitterly disappointed with the result today. But it won’t knock us.”
Manchester United have plenty of work ahead, but there is no reason to overreact after one game.
Set pieces prove costly for Manchester United
The two goals conceded from set-piece situations will be one of the main areas for Carrick and his coaching staff to examine.
“Two goals conceded anyway is frustrating. For sure, set plays, we’ve been pretty good at it over a period of time. That decided the game today.”
Carrick was keen to stress that the defeat doesn’t suddenly erase the progress made previously.
“One game doesn’t change the whole direction of everything.”
Manchester United now have a full week to reflect before their next fixture. Michael Carrick knows improvements are required, but he also wants his players and supporters to keep perspective.
“It is one game. First game of the season. It is disappointing enough. It hurts. Of course it does. But it is one game.”
For United’s ambition of competing for the top of the Premier League, this was a poor start. Carrick’s challenge now is making sure it remains justa poor game rather than the beginning of a bigger problem.
