Manchester United were second-best as they lost 2-0 to newly-promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium, a result that exposed a glaring lack of depth in the centre-forward position. With Benjamin Sesko still short of full fitness, the club's need for another striker before the September 1 transfer deadline has become obvious.
Hull's simple approach outmuscles United
United started with a fluid attack of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu. At the other end of the pitch, the Tigers had Oli McBurnie patrolling the front line. There was a simplicity to their approach, with Lewie Coyle and Ryan Giles looking to find McBurnie at every opportunity.
United were warned about that threat early on when Noussair Mazraoui had to sprint back to clear the ball away from the striker. McBurnie then forced a smart save from Senne Lammens moments before playing a hand in the opener. He was too strong at the back stick as he thrashed an effort towards goal. Lammens' save denied him, but he could do nothing to stop Semi Ajayi firing home the rebound.
Carrick's changes fail to break down Hull
It set the tone for Hull and they grew in confidence from that moment. As for United, they continued with their clever link-up play, but they were ultimately lacking in the forward line. After the break, Michael Carrick acknowledged that they needed to change. Marcus Rashford came on for Dorgu, Cunha moved to the right and Mbeumo was back through the middle.
While Rashford added some much-needed directness, the ideal solution to breaking down Hull remained on the bench. Benjamin Sesko missed the entirety of pre-season as he recovered from a shin injury picked up last season. Sesko showed glimmers last season of becoming the focal point that United lacked. He led the line, scored goals and his physicality would have been perfect against Hull's robust back three. When he eventually did come on with little more than 20 minutes remaining, it was too late for the Reds.
Transfer priority shifts to a striker
Carrick's hands were tied when it came to introducing Sesko. The Slovenian only returned to full training this week, and playing him for longer than that would have risked another injury. His performance when he was introduced suggests Carrick may have brought him on before he was ready to play. Even so, when Rashford put a good cross in, Sesko tried to attack the ball like none of his attacking colleagues had done all game.
United won't overreact after the defeat. After all, a lot of their squad are still finding their feet post-World Cup. But Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, who were in the stands on Saturday lunchtime, must be aware of what needs to be done before September 1. If Sesko is unavailable, United look so short in the centre-forward position. The priority has been the midfield and Carlos Baleba will complete the spending in that position. United want to sign a left-back, but they also need to find a striker to give Carrick another option in attack.
Joshua Zirkzee is not the man to lead the line - that has been proven numerous times. What we saw in Hull is that Mbeumo and Cunha are 'in case of emergency' answers. United need a centre-forward who can fill the void when Sesko isn't available. They have nine days to find that player.
