Premier League: Manchester United collapse away to promoted Hull City (0-2)

22.08.26 FT English Premier League

Hull

2

:

Manchester United

0

Lacking inspiration and aggression, Manchester United fell victim to a perfectly organized promoted side in their Premier League opener.

Manchester United completely botched their start to the new Premier League season. Away at promoted Hull City, Michael Carrick’s men suffered a deserved 2-0 defeat. Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute after a poor intervention from Senne Lammens on a corner. Nobel Mendy then doubled the Tigers’ lead in the 38th minute, heading home a free-kick won by Bachir Belloumi. The Red Devils were thus already trailing by two goals at the break.

The script barely changed after the restart. Hull dropped back into a compact block, deliberately conceding possession to Manchester United. Incapable of accelerating or combining in tight spaces, United resorted to inaccurate crosses and speculative long-range efforts. Bryan Mbeumo had the visitors’ best chance in the final quarter-hour, but Konstantinos Tzolakis came out on top in their one-on-one.

The transfer window must still address United’s weaknesses

United have now lost their opening league match for the second consecutive season, after last year’s defeat to Arsenal. Beyond the result, Carrick is already concerned by the lack of intensity and creativity. The left flank, manned by Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu, notably lacked penetration, pace, and precision.

With ten days left until the transfer window closes, the anticipated arrival of Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba won’t solve all the problems. A verbal agreement has been reached with Brighton for around £65 million, with a possible additional £5 million in bonuses. However, signing a more dynamic left-back now seems essential.

Hull in the cup, United back at Old Trafford

Hull City will travel to Stoke City on Tuesday, August 25 at 7:45pm for the second round of the League Cup. The Tigers will then return to Premier League action on Saturday, August 29 at Coventry. Manchester United, meanwhile, will host Ipswich Town on Sunday, August 30 at 4:30pm. An immediate response will already be demanded at Old Trafford.

Read also: Real Madrid: Yan Diomandé tipped to start against Espanyol

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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