Hull City marked their return to the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United, thereby creating a shock right in the first round. The 2 goals of Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy reflect a match where the home team dominated physical strength, determination and the ability to exploit the opponent's weaknesses.
With Man United, this defeat raises a series of questions after a summer expected to open a new chapter under Michael Carrick.
The defense is too fragile
Man United faced many difficulties against Hull's crosses and set pieces. Both goals conceded came from dead balls, when the away team's defense could not handle the crosses into the dangerous area well.
Harry Maguire went through a difficult match on his return to Hull. The home team continuously tried to pull the English center-back out of position, then exploited the space behind him. On the left flank, Luke Shaw also could not control Elliot Stroud.
Man United's need to recruit a left-back capable of competing with Shaw becomes even more urgent. If they do not improve their defense capabilities on both wings as well as against high balls, Carrick's team will face many more problems when facing stronger opponents than Hull.
The midline lacks vitality
Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos are expected to bring a new look to the "Red Devils" midfield. Tielemans was brought in to supplement his passing ability, energy and creativity, while Santos is considered a replacement for Casemiro.
But against Hull, neither of them created the necessary influence. Man United lacked speed in passing the ball, was easily approached by the opponent and almost lost control of the midfield area.
This is also one of the reasons why M.U's playing style becomes predictable. The deal worth about 70 million pounds with Carlos Baleba of Brighton may help Carrick increase strength and ability to compete in midfield, but the Cameroonian midfielder is unlikely to solve the whole problem.
Attack lacks ideas
Hull almost won in most duels, while Man United's attacking players lacked connection.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha possess outstanding individual qualities but could not find common ground. Patrick Dorgu played ineffectively and was substituted right after the first half.
Benjamin Sesko was brought on but did not receive many favorable passes. When Hull retreated with a 5-man defense, Man United found it even more difficult to find space to penetrate.
What is more worrying is that the away team lacks a way to create breakthroughs from the two wings. A team that once owned excellent wingers like George Best, Steve Coppell, David Beckham or Ryan Giggs now almost has no attacking spearhead fast enough to stretch the opponent's defense.
Pressure for Carrick
Carrick still maintains a calm attitude after the defeat and does not want a match to change Man United's long-term plan. However, the pressure on him has certainly increased.
The match against Ipswich Town in the next round will be of great significance. Man United needs to react immediately, because the defeat to Hull may just be a first-season stumble, but if similar problems continue to appear, it will become a sign of a challenging season.
