Michael Carrick snapped at a reporter who asked if Manchester United lacked 'passion' during their 2-0 loss away to Hull City. The Red Devils opened their Premier League campaign with a defeat against the side tipped to finish bottom of the table.
Captain Bruno Fernandes criticised United's habit of giving the ball away cheaply, while left-back Luke Shaw admitted the team had not prepared properly. Premier League legend Alan Shearer also accused Carrick's players of looking 'unfit'.
Carrick's angry response
Post-match, Carrick was interviewed by former Middlesbrough striker Jan Age Fjortoft, working for broadcaster Viaplay at the MKM Stadium. When Fjortoft questioned United's passion in the first half, Carrick furrowed his brow and replied: "Come on, that's ridiculous.
"You played football, you understand. That's a ridiculous thing to say. Just because you get beaten doesn't mean you don't care about it.
"Their two goals came from set plays. Other than that, we had opportunities. That was where the game was. I don't think it was passion or anything to do with that. It was just their moments that made the difference in the game."
Set-piece goals decide the game
Hull's goals did indeed come from set pieces, as Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy put the hosts two goals ahead before half-time. United brought on Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko in search of a comeback, but Hull - helped by goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis - kept them out.
Carrick insisted United would not be 'rocked' by the result and would 'stay in the bubble' ahead of their first home game against Ipswich, who were also promoted from the Championship last season. "It's one game. It's the first game of the season so it's disappointing enough and it hurts, of course it does," the Red Devils boss said.
"But it's one game, it doesn't change the whole course of the direction the team or the football club is going in. We'll stay calm, stay in the bubble and focus on next week."
Transfer talk played down
Carrick could have a new signing at his disposal next Sunday, with United having agreed a £70m deal with Brighton for midfielder Carlos Baleba. But Carrick gave nothing away, saying: "I had all eyes on this [game] today, so any other player, at any other club… until he's ours, it's not for me to comment on that."
