Manchester United began the new Premier League season in the worst way possible, as newly-promoted Hull City eased past them 2-0 at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.
Both goals came from set-pieces in the first half, and despite the Red Devils seeing way more of the ball, they hardly created any clear-cut chances.
It is the first time United have lost to a promoted side in their opening game of a campaign, and there are worrying signs for Michael Carrick.
Most importantly, despite spending the better part of £85 million on signing Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos to revamp the midfield, the duo were outfought and outclassed away from home.
Tielemans and Santos too slow
The Brazilian had shown promising signs during pre-season, but he struggled to shield the backline against the rampaging Tigers.
But the biggest disappointment was the Belgian. He was seen as a great signing considering his Premier League experience and his eye for a pass.
The former Aston Villa star looked unfit, as Hull players swarmed all over him whenever he got the ball.
He looks extremely slow and laboured and the partnership as a whole needs a lot of work. Mason Mount’s industry in pre-season almost made it seem like Carrick had found a temporary answer till the arrival of Carlos Baleba.
Attack was poor
But now, the 20-time English league champions could be easily overrun if Carrick insists on using Tielemans and Santos in every game. Hopefully, Kobbie Mainoo can quickly regain full match fitness.
In attack, the decision to play Matheus Cunha up top instead of Bryan Mbeumo was necessitated by Amad’s injury, but the Cameroonian struggled out wide.
Both Cunha and Bruno Fernandes drifted all over the pitch which meant United lacked a focal presence up top.
Carrick will be hoping that Benjamin Sesko can start against Ipswich Town next week, or at least for Amad to return soon.
United still need another quality striker, and a left-back, with Luke Shaw to blame for Hull’s second goal. The backline was a shambles with Ayden Heaven enduring a game to forget.
On current evidence, another slow start to the campaign awaits and INEOS have severely handicapped the head coach yet again.
Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
