Manchester United

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

The season has started with a bang. With so many new coaches and major squad upheavals, I expected the unexpected and wasn't disappointed.

Hull City seeing off Manchester United raised the most eyebrows. Remember, United ended last season impressively and their hosts just about squeezed up from the Championship, via the play-offs. These are early days and Michael Carrick's side will improve, so need to panic yet. As for Hull, their performance hinted at something else.

Last season Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth didn't have the slightest hint of an inferiority complex when facing the super-clubs. The Tigers have started in the same style and I suspect others have now seen the light and will follow their lead.

Many are now embracing the idea of chaos, following the control-based dogma that held sway for so long. Some suggest this is "Kloppism" eclipsing the Guardiola doctrine. This is a bit simplistic but there is change in the air and it is being helped by the recent rule changes.

The game is speeding up, encouraging a quicker, more open style that lends itself to this organised chaos. It's early days, but already a pattern appears set for the season; reputations might count for little when up against hungry, youthful, fearless opponents.

Spurs and Aston Villa are seen as "big" clubs but size doesn't matter when confronted by a hunger, desire to work and the ensuing mayhem.

Just look at the way Brentford and Brighton closed both of them down at the weekend; Manchester City were within six minutes of losing to Bournemouth; Liverpool were seconds away from losing to Newcastle, a team supposedly gutted of quality and experience after those brutal summer sales.

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A fresh episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast is now available on BBC Sounds.

Co-hosts Joe McGrath and Gaz Drinkwater are joined by Manchester United Utd fan and YouTuber Tom Cooney to discuss the opening weekend defeat at newly promoted Hull City, as well as the transfer window as the clock ticks down to deadline.

They also look ahead to the first Premier League home game and ask whether Michael Carrick would already be under pressure if United fail to beat Ipswich Town on Sunday.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed

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We asked for your views on Man Utd's 2-0 loss to Hull City on Saturday.

Here are some of your comments:

Ben: I love Man Utd but the showing against Hull was an absolute abomination. I like that we signed Tielemans and Santos but our midfield still was appalling and the fact that we have neglected the defence transfer wise is a shocking decision too. I get that the players are tired but it better be a one-off.

Glen: United delivered the same old drivel. New manager start of season - same old slow, laboured, clueless performance. Makes you think it's not the managers that we keep changing, but certain members of the team!

Andrew: Too often I hear that the opponent got their tactics right against Man Utd. The truth is, they are too predictable and too easy to play against. We are weakened in midfield with the loss of Casemiro and have little threat up front. No one broke the lines, no one in the box! Midfield was a yard short, wasteful and careless. Defensively fragile at left back and right back. The whole side is unfit!

Martin: Just awful. After the good pre-season we got caught out because Hull wanted it more. This could be a very nervy season if players don't pull their socks up. Not one player deserved any credit at all.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

The general consensus was that Manchester United lacked intensity against Hull City; even Carrick's close friend Wayne Rooney said so on Match of the Day.

"For Manchester United to build on what they did last season they need to become a team other teams are scared of," he said.

"There needs to be more energy in the press. They were too passive."

It was not a view Carrick agreed with.

"Just because you get beaten, it doesn't mean you are passive," he said.

"It's one game. Results can happen in football. We all understand that. It's not nice when they do, but it does happen."

Former England striker and Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer felt it was a fitness issue, even though six of the side that started were there right at the start of pre-season training on 9 July.

"United were dreadful in all positions, particularly up front. They offered nothing," he said.

"There was only one team going to win. It's a worrying thing. You know what you are going to get going up against a promoted team. You need to match them."

Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic altered his tactics for the game, having watched a couple of United's pre-season matches, including the 4-2 defeat by AC Milan, engineered by former boss Ruben Amorim, when he repeatedly switched play to his wing-backs, which United's defence failed to cover.

That was key, as it created the space to put balls into the box for combative striker Oli McBurnie to feed off.

McBurnie did not score, but 19-year-old United defender Ayden Heaven in particular found it difficult to cope.

Semi Ajayi opened the scoring by driving home the rebound after Senne Lammens had pushed a powerful close-range McBurnie effort on to a post.

New signing Nobel Mendy added the second when Nobel Mendy got his head to Regan Slater's free-kick despite the close attentions of Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui.

Barcelona and Spain left-back Alejandro Balde, 22, has given the green light to his agent Jorge Mendes to negotiate a move to Manchester United. (Sport - in Spanish), external

Meanwhile, United will not sell forward Joshua Zirkzee for less than £40m amid interest from Juventus, Napoli and Aston Villa. (Sun), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Man Utd starting XI:

Senne Lammens: Made two good saves before blocking Oli McBurnie's goalbound effort, which led to Semi Ajayi's goal. Despite the score one of the visitors' better performers. 7.

Noussair Mazraoui (off 80): Tended to run inside the wide attacking channel but didn't threaten and found it tough to stop Hull when they were going forward. 5.

Harry Maguire: Tough day on his return to Hull. Solid enough but couldn't inspire those around him. 6.

Ayden Heaven: Outmuscled by McBurnie in the build-up to Hull's opener and got involved in an argument with the forward at half-time. Inexperienced and exposed. 5.

Luke Shaw: Hugged the touchline to provide an attacking outlet and linked well, but given too much ground to cover defensively. 6.

Andrey Santos (off 66): Competitive debut passed him by. Dominated by Hull midfield and not secure in possession. 5.

Youri Tielemans (off 66): Some slick passing, but got sucked into playing high balls into the Hull penalty area which the visitors were ill-equipped to compete for. Disappointing overall. 5.

Bryan Mbeumo: United's biggest threat in the first half. One angled drive saved, another acrobatic effort deflected wide. 5.

Bruno Fernandes: Tried but nowhere near his best. Didn't get himself into shooting positions. 5.

Patrick Dorgu (off 46): Got the ball in dangerous positions but couldn't find the end product and struggled to maintain the flow of United's attacks when needed. Booked as well. Not a surprise to be taken off. 4.

Matheus Cunha (off 80): Started up front but natural instinct is to check back into the number 10 position and look for space, which meant the visitors did not have a forward option to aim for. 5.

Man Utd substitutes:

Marcus Rashford (on 46): Half-time arrival for his first Manchester United appearance since December 2024. Immediately started to run at the Hull defence but didn't create anything. 5.

Benjamin Sesko (on 66): Physical presence at least created a different challenge for Hull. 5.

Kobbie Mainoo (on 66): Struggled to make a significant impact. 5.

Diogo Dalot (on 80): 5.

Shea Lacey (on 80):5.

Subs not used: Karl Darlow, Lisandro Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Image source, Getty Images

Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Hull's shape was really good. They stuck to the job and worked hard, which is what they're going to have to do to try and stay in this league.

"And obviously, it looked like they identified a weakness in Manchester United in putting balls into the box and utilised that really well. All they can do is try and take as many points at home as they can. It's a great start.

"Hull were fantastic. The manager [Sergej Jakirovic] was spot on when he talked about preparation. I watched Manchester United against AC Milan, and they struggled stopping crosses into the box. Hull looked like they played on that, they got the ball out wide, put good crosses in the box and caused United problems.

"Hull defended well in the second half. They looked powerful, they looked strong. United didn't look at the races and Hull overpowered them in both boxes. That won them the game.

"From a fitness point of view, it can be tricky for the top clubs who have a lot of players away in a World Cup year. There was a lack of intensity. In terms of the press, Man Utd sat in a mid-block, but didn't get pressure on the ball.

"In the next few games, players will pick up that fitness. Ultimately, you want to see a little bit more, especially when they go 2-0 down. You want to see more urgency."

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I thought we had moments and then two set plays caught us today.

"That decided the game in the end. We've conceded two goals today from set plays. We'll look at it and improve it for sure. We keep working and moving forward.

"It's constant, it's evolving all the time. Just because we haven't got any points today, it won't change what we do next week. We look forward and be excited with the season that is still ahead of us.

"We've got to find the answers, we didn't quite click and find the right solutions today.

On Marcus Rashford: "I thought he came on and looked dangerous in moments. We probably relied on him a bit too much. Marcus playing today will be better for it with a game in his system."

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, speaking to TNT Sports: "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."

On fan frustration: "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."

Listen to more from Michael Carrick on BBC Sounds

Did you know?

• Manchester United have lost their opening Premier League game in four of the last seven seasons (W3), while it's the first time in their league history they've lost on MD1 to a newly promoted side (P14 W10 D3 L1).

• Marcus Rashford made his first Premier League appearance since April 2025 for Aston Villa v Manchester City, appearing for Manchester United in the competition for the first time since December 2024 v Nottingham Forest.

Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

This result will have certainly zapped some of that pre-season enthusiasm around Michael Carrick and his team.

This was the first time - on the 13th occasion - in their history they have lost to a promoted team on the opening day of a season.

They had a new-look midfield featuring summer signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans - but neither shone and ended up being replaced midway through the second half.

United were already 2-0 down when they brought on Marcus Rashford at half-time, but the England forward - back from his loan spell at Barcelona - could not spark any kind of comeback on his first appearance for his boyhood club since December 2024.

The Red Devils did have chances - 21 in total - but not as many clear-cut ones as they might have liked, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes all testing the Hull keeper.

Captain Fernandes also fired another opportunity over the bar.

United had 72% possession and attempted more passes than they did in any Premier League game last season.

But Carrick will hope this was a simple case of United not making the most of their chances - and the opposition taking theirs - and not something more concerning for the future.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Hull City's performance

What did you make of Man Utd's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday as the opening weekend continues, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Hull City v Man Utd (12:30)

• Everton v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Ipswich v Sunderland - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Nottingham Forest v Leeds

• Brentford v Tottenham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.

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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Michael Carrick believes skipper Bruno Fernandes will continue to have a major impact for Manchester United.

Galatasaray were ready to lodge a €50m (£42.8m) offer for Fernandes and pay him €21m (£18m)-a-year net, to try and entice him to Turkey.

United officials have made it clear they would reject any bid for the 31-year-old, even though they told Fernandes it was his decision whether he accepted a higher offer from Saudi Pro-League side Al Hilal in the summer of 2025.

Fernandes still has a year left on his current contract, although the club have an option to extend that to the summer of 2028.

It remains to be seen whether Carrick will give him breaks during the forthcoming campaign, which, for the first time in three seasons, includes Champions League matches.

However, the United head coach feels his captain will be an influential figure at Old Trafford.

"Bruno's been a big part of the team and the club over recent times and has had a huge impact. He'll continue to do that," said Carrick.

"Hopefully he stays fit and in good shape but yes, there is the element as we go through the season, with the waves and the momentum; keeping the boys in good form but keeping them fresh as well. Bruno's part of that.

"He's obviously our captain, but we still need to look after him."

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

Hull City kick off a first Premier League campaign in nearly a decade by taking on 13-time winners Manchester United. BBC Sport examines some of the key themes going into the meeting at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.

The Tigers are the first side to be promoted to the Premier League after finishing sixth in the Championship since Blackpool in 2010, having defeated Millwall and then Middlesbrough in the play-offs.

Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic - the first Bosnian Premier League manager - will take on the challenge of keeping the newly promoted side in the top flight and to do so he may need to develop Hull's style of play.

Despite triumphing in the play-off final in May, Hull's underlying numbers last season were not those of an elite outfit.

They had the fifth-fewest shots of any second-tier team in 2025-26, while only bottom club Sheffield Wednesday had a higher tally of expected goals against. Hull also faced the third-most shots (681), an unwelcome set of statistics that underline the club's status as favourites to return to the Championship.

Hull, though, can take some solace from a solid opening-day record in the Premier League. They have triumphed in three of their five opening matches in the competition, defeating reigning champions Leicester City on their most recent appearance in 2016.

This time round the Tigers take on a United team who have won their opening Premier League fixture on an unrivalled 22 occasions.

Carrick's men, boosted by new signings including midfielders Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, are facing promoted sides in their first two matches, with a home game against Ipswich Town to come, providing the Red Devils the perfect opportunity for a strong start following their third-place finish last season.

Carrick has won four of his six managerial meetings with Hull (D1, L1) and is unbeaten in three visits to the MKM Stadium (W2, D1).

United's manager will also be hoping that the form of Bruno Fernandes continues into this campaign as the club return to Champions League football.

The club captain set a record for most assists in a Premier League campaign last season with 21, along with scoring nine goals – making Fernandes the first United player to be involved in 30 or more goals in two Premier League seasons.

Hull City's assistant head coach Dean Holden came on the Monday Night Club this week and spoke really well about how they will approach the Premier League. It sounds like they will be horrible to play against, and will be happy to go direct when they have to.

With them starting at home, getting a result against Manchester United - who Holden is a big fan of - could really make their season.

I think they will be competitive, but my worry for Hull is from looking at how they did last year, when they lost a third of their games in the Championship.

As a story, Sergej Jakirovic getting them from 21st place into the play-offs, and then up, is remarkable. Now they just need to hang on in there in the Premier League, but that will be very difficult.

United have not done much in the transfer market this summer, but Youri Tielemans is a really good signing - a safe signing, if there is such a thing - like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were last year.

As things stand, they are going to be stretched by being in the Champions League and I do feel like Carrick overachieved by getting them there.

Now the expectations are rising following their third-place finish, but they are nowhere near Arsenal at the moment.

I think them having European football, while Tottenham and Chelsea don't, will have a huge bearing on the season, which is why I left United out of my top four.

They should begin with a win, but this is the start of a full-on campaign for them, which makes it far more difficult, and they will need to add to their squad.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

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