Michael Carrick admitted Manchester United have a lot to learn after a shock 2-0 defeat away to promoted Hull City on the opening day of the Premier League season.
First-half goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy ripped United apart at the MKM Stadium and condemned Carrick’s side to a humbling start.
United finished 3rd last season and were hoping to challenge champions Arsenal, but looked toothless in attack and sloppy at the back.
Both goals came from set-pieces, a point Carrick was quick to highlight.
“We have a bit to improve on, it was never going to be perfect. Going behind makes it more difficult, against a promoted team at home. We can’t give them much and they had opportunities. We’re disappointed but it won’t knock us,” Carrick said.
“It’s for us to know and to improve during the week and keep getting stronger as a group. We have a lot to learn from it. Two goals is frustrating anyway. They decide the game today and there’s things to improve on,” he added.
Carrick had warned before kickoff not to underestimate Hull and next week’s opponents Ipswich — the other promoted side United will face. That caution proved justified.
United’s transfer business also came under scrutiny. Debutants Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos were both anonymous in midfield and subbed in the second half.
United have agreed a deal for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, but Carrick said he wasn’t commenting until the deal was done:
“One game doesn’t change the direction of everything. It doesn’t change the direction of the football club. I had all eyes on this today so any other player, until he’s ours, it’s not for me to comment on,” he said.
Read More: Mourinho starts second Real Madrid spell with dramatic 90th-minute win
Captain Bruno Fernandes also struggled to influence the game and was visibly frustrated. He called for unity after the loss:
“We understand the frustration, every season at the start we want to compete and win every game but we need the fans on our side, and to believe in ourselves,” Fernandes said.
“We know in the Premier League these types of away grounds are difficult to play against. You need to match their intensity and aggression. The two set pieces ended up costing us the game today,” he said.
Hull celebrated a perfect return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence, while United were left with serious questions after a flat performance.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
