Manchester United could not have got off to a worse possible start in the Premier League as they lost to newly-promoted Hull City 0-2 away at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.
Michael Carrick’s decision to start with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in midfield did not work at all, while Matheus Cunha was wasted up top.
Bruno Fernandes was livid after the game and did not mince his words when talking to TNT Sports. In fact, the club captain claimed that United’s performance was reminiscent of their poor away displays last season.
“The same mistakes as we did last season in every away game. We give too much of the ball to them. I think they have, in the beginning of the game, the first 20 minutes, the goalkeeper was the one that had more touches on the ball. He had too much time.
Bruno Fernandes feels United have not learnt their lesson from last season
“I think we need to press a little bit more. We need to be a little bit more aggressive. And then, again, set plays, we need to work on it, to be more aggressive, and try to not concede this type of goals. Obviously, against teams like this, they’re waiting for that moment.”
The fact that the skipper feels the team has not learnt its lesson is not the best look for Carrick and his coaching staff.
"Same mistakes as we made last season in every away game. We give the ball away too much."
Bruno Fernandes reacts to Man United's opening weekend defeat 🗣️
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Questions were obviously asked about whether the 20-time English league champions underestimated Hull. The Portugal international did not think so.
“No, we knew. If someone didn’t know, it’s very surprising, because we know in the Premier League this type of away grounds are very difficult to play against.
Fans right to be disappointed
“You need to match everything in levels of intensity and aggression and everything. We had that. Apart from that two set pieces that end up costing us the game.”
Fans were left disappointed with the result. Despite INEOS’ sluggish business, the mood around the club has been buoyant due to the team’s strong showing under Carrick and a decent pre-season.
But this loss has certainly deflated the fanbase, but the 31-year-old urged his Old Trafford faithful to keep the faith.
“I understand the frustration. Obviously, every season that starts we want to compete and we want to go as forward as we can winning every game. We need them on our side like we did last season. We need them to believe in us. But obviously, we know that we need more also from ourselves.”
United will return to action against another newly-promoted side in Ipswich Town next week in what will be the club’s first home game. Hopefully, a much-improved performance can be seen.
Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
