Luke Shaw is refusing to let Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Hull City change his belief that Michael Carrick’s side can have a very good season.
United’s first league game of the campaign was a frustrating one. Hull scored twice in the first half through Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy, while United struggled to create enough in attack and never found a way back into the game.
It was not the start anyone at Manchester United wanted. The embarrassing defeat was made more disappointing by the fact United went away to Hull City as clear favourites.
Still, Shaw isn’t ready to make too much of one result.
Luke Shaw admits Manchester United got things wrong
The left-back was honest about what went wrong when he spoke after the game. Manchester United knew before kick-off that Hull were dangerous from dead-ball situations and would look to get deliveries into the box.
“Disappointing, I think we knew Hull’s strengths, Set-plays and wide positions and crosses into the box. At times we did defend well, but the goals, set-plays, not good enough. We knew they were going to be good from set-plays and ultimately it’s cost us the three points,” Shaw said to Stan Sports.
It wasn’t only the defending that caused problems. United also lacked the quality needed once they got into attacking positions.
“I think also going forward we were lacking that cutting edge today to score the goals and try to fight our way back into the game,” Shaw said.
That was perhaps the most frustrating part of the afternoon. Manchester United had to chase the game for almost the entire second half, but Hull rarely looked uncomfortable.
Shaw did not try to blame the players for still getting into their rhythm at the start of a new campaign either.
“No excuses at all in this game, but it’s the start of the season and maybe players are finding form a little bit. But no way is that an excuse, Manchester United should be coming to Hull and no disrespect to them, but we should be winning the game.”
Manchester United know they were beaten by a team they were expected to beat.
Shaw still believes United can turn it around
Despite the disappointment, Shaw remains convinced this United team can make a mark over the course of the season.
“We have the exact same feeling, even now after the game. It will be a very good season for us, I’m sure of it. We’ll be up there,” Shaw said.
Shaw’s statement might not ring well with all after such a poor opening day. Wayne Rooney was one of them who disagreed. Rooney called out Luke Shaw for ‘schoolboy’ defending against Hull City.
However, Luke Shaw clearly doesn’t believe the defeat should undo the optimism that surrounded the squad before the season began.
“Of course, this is a little blip. It’s obviously not nice to happen at the start of the season when our expectations are high and we should be starting the season strong, showing everyone that we’re here this season.”
“It was not meant to be. But one game won’t define us. We’ll regroup, we’ll go again and, like I said, I promise it’ll be a good season for us.”
The Hull defeat was a warning that United can’t take any Premier League fixture lightly. Carrick and his players will have plenty to work on and finding better answers next weekend against Ipswich.
