Manchester United's Premier League campaign began with a 2-0 defeat at Hull City, as Michael Carrick's tactical approach backfired. The Red Devils' hopes of challenging for the title lasted just 17 minutes before they were given an early reality check on the banks of the River Humber.
Hull dominate early exchanges
Hull City looked like the only team with fight in the opening exchanges. Semi Ajayi lashed the ball into an open net after a goalmouth scramble, leaving United too shell-shocked to respond. The home fans gleefully sang "you're getting mauled by the Tigers" before Hull landed a second hammer blow.
Last season, Carrick's side had only looked at their best when playing teams willing to bring the game to them, often struggling badly against low blocks. Despite having the summer to work on tactics, it was once again a low block that proved too tough to break down.
United fail to break down low block
The centre of the park was simply too congested, and Carrick had no answers. For large periods, United resorted to launching hopeful balls into the box, with Hull happily soaking up the pressure and waiting for their chance to pounce.
Carrick eventually introduced Benjamin Sesko, but United stopped crossing the ball, leaving the Slovenian almost anonymous after his introduction. Hull looked the most likely to score as Oli McBurnie made a mockery of United's leggy midfield, who looked incapable of creating a chance.
New midfield faces growing pains
It is a new-look middle of the park for the Red Devils following the exit of Casemiro, but they cannot afford to ship too many points as they learn to play with each other. Patience will be required as the new midfield beds in, but United's title ambitions will not wait forever, and they looked well off the pace on Saturday lunchtime.
United fans would have expected so much more, not just in terms of the result but also the performance. This did not look like the team Carrick presided over last season; it was more of what they turned out under Ruben Amorim. United face another newly promoted team next week, welcoming Ipswich Town to Old Trafford in a game they already cannot afford to lose.
