There were very few positives from Manchester United’s performance against Hull City.
The 2026/27 Premier League season could not have started worse for Manchester United, with the Red Devils suffering a 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Hull City.
It was the first time United have lost to Hull in 52 years, and also the first loss to a newly-promoted side in an opening Premier League match.
It will not come as a surprise that there are far more losers from United’s display than there are winners…
Losers
Patrick Dorgu
Michael Carrick seems determined to make Patrick Dorgu a winger at United, but his 45-minute disaster against Hull should put an end to that experiment.
Dorgu didn’t win any of his four ground duels and was at fault for breaking down several United attacks in the first half.
A damning display, and one that could (should) lose him a starting spot.
Youri Tielemans
New signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos started together in midfield, but the balance of Carrick’s side was all wrong.
The partnership of Tielemans and Santos fell apart early on as Hull dominated physically and had more intensity in their play.
While Santos stood his ground defensively and in possession, Tielemans was responsible for far too many wayward passes and sloppy touches. Not a great Premier League debut for the £35m signing.
Ayden Heaven
Lisandro Martinez was left on the bench by Carrick, and 19-year-old Ayden Heaven was trusted with a starting spot at centre-back.
Unfortunately, Heaven struggled in a physical match-up against Oli McBurnie. Heaven made just two defensive contributions all match and lost four of his six aerial duels.
Bruno Fernandes
United’s captain failed to make his usual impact. Fresh from his assist frenzy in 2025/26, Bruno Fernandes was anonymous against Hull.
He lost possession 22 times and cut a frustrated figure in midfield.
Michael Carrick
United’s inability to match Hull’s intensity and create chances reflects poorly on Michael Carrick.
Carrick wants United to control matches and evolve from their style of play last season. United had the lion’s share of possession but had no answers for Hull’s resolute defending.
Patience is required, and Carrick rightly pointed out that this is just one game in a long season, but this defeat adds unnecessary pressure to him and his coaching staff.
Winners
Marcus Rashford
United improved in the second half and much of that improvement was down to the introduction of Marcus Rashford on the left wing.
Rashford replaced Dorgu and was a silver lining to an otherwise turgid display. His positive attacking play should earn him a starting spot against Ipswich Town next week.
Carlos Baleba
Without kicking a ball in a United shirt yet, Carlos Baleba’s signing just became even more necessary.
United’s midfield balance was off and Carrick needed an energetic duel-winner in the heart of the pitch.
That alone should make Carlos Baleba an immediate starter once he has signed and returns from injury.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/PiF0GH3