Facing only the promoted team Hull City, Man United is full of confidence that they will achieve a favorable result in the first round of the Premier League. However, Hull City played extremely solidly, before scoring in 2 set pieces and winning 2-0 overall.
In this match, Man United appeared extremely deadlocked against the opponent's dense defense. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans both faced difficulties in their official debut, while the "Red Devils"' attack also could not find a way to penetrate the home team's defense.
Benjamin Sesko only sat on the bench after not playing in the pre-season period due to recovering from a tibia injury. Matheus Cunha was positioned highest but could not make a difference against Hull's three center-backs.
After the match, former player Owen Hargreaves said that Man United is lacking a quality striker:
I think they probably need another striker.
I think that has been shown today. Sesko is not starting and Cunha plays a little deeper. He is a number 10 and plays very effectively on the left wing”.
The former England international still appreciates the quality of the Manchester United squad, especially when Carlos Baleba is preparing to join to strengthen the midfield.
But I think with Baleba's joining, the squad will be very strong and in the top 4, it's just that I think last season they played best when counter-attacking.
They are strongest when playing counter-attack, remember the first matches, Carrick's first matches against Man City and Arsenal.
However, Hargreaves believes that the performance against Hull has shown limitations when Manchester United faces a proactively defensive opponent.
Today, when they have the ball at their feet, they do not create scoring opportunities. I think things will be easier when there is space. Today there is no such thing.
I think they need to reconsider their tactics and find ways to improve.
Manchester United still has time to strengthen their forces before the transfer window closes on September 1. In addition to a striker, the team is also aiming to recruit another left-back, while Baleba is expected to soon complete the joining process.
