A disastrous start to the Premier League season for Manchester United, as two first-half goals completely halted the Red Devils’ hopes of securing victory.
Match Report
A disappointing Manchester United side suffered a 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City in their Premier League season opener at the MKM Stadium.
There was plenty of optimism surrounding United after they finished last season strongly under Michael Carrick, but that confidence quickly disappeared in Hull when Semi Ajayi took advantage of defensive confusion to poke home the opener from close range in the 17th minute.
Before the match, Hull owner Acun Ilicali had revelled in the fact that many people were writing his team off ahead of the new season. Backed by a lively home crowd, the Tigers played with confidence, while United struggled to match their intensity.
Hull continued to expose weaknesses at the back, and their pressure paid off again in the 38th minute when Nobel Mendy rose to power a header past Senne Lammens and double the hosts’ advantage.
Carrick introduced Marcus Rashford at the start of the second half, marking the England forward’s first competitive appearance for United in 618 days, but his arrival failed to change the game.
United’s best opportunity after the break fell to Bryan Mbeumo, whose effort was comfortably dealt with by Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Overall, United offered very little threat and were comfortably beaten by a Hull side that looked in control throughout. The defeat leaves Carrick with plenty of questions to answer, while Sky Sports readers are already calling for defensive reinforcements with around 10 days left in the transfer window.