It’s the morning after the afternoon before for a bewildered fanbase following the most abject of performances at the MKM Stadium.
Put plainly, Manchester United were extremely poor, and Hull City deserved their three points. Few, if any, would have expected to write or read anything of the sort.
From back to front, Michael Carrick’s men appeared lethargic and unsure of the best approach to unlocking a newly promoted defence.
And for a side that had topped the Premier League form charts from January onwards, it’s almost inconceivable that we’re discussing this on opening weekend.
The division is an unforgiving beast at the best of times, and a predictable attacking ethos will rarely inspire any enthusiasm.
Say what you will about statistics, because anybody revising them this morning would think United were unlucky, but it’s what you do with possession that counts.
For all the time spent in the opposition’s final third, Bruno Fernandes and his team could have played for another 90 minutes and remained frustrated; such was the confidence within Sergej Jakovic’s structure.
That’s without factoring in the obvious vulnerabilities within this group, having conceded twice more from set-pieces. It’s worth noting that Hull earned a solitary corner kick and converted from it.
For better or worse, the trivia of dealing with dead-ball routines has become par for the course in England, and a learned resilience is the minimum requirement.
“I think maybe as a whole, as a group, collectively, we could probably prepare better, especially knowing how good they are at set plays, and what their dangers are,” Luke Shaw said in the tunnel afterwards.
Carrick was understandably deflated following the final whistle, although he has a gift for hiding his emotions amidst a concoction of media scrutiny.
The 45-year-old acknowledged his frustration with the lack of emergency, but was quick to underline the importance of remaining grounded on the opening weekend. “It is one game. First game of the season,” he stated.
“It is disappointing enough. It hurts. Of course it does. But it is one game. It doesn’t change the whole course of direction the team is going in or the football club. We will stay calm, stay in the bubble and focus on next week.”
Contrary to opinion, the former playmaker was aware of the challenges of defending his side’s stature after a truly underwhelming showing in Yorkshire, particularly following a capitulation against AC Milan.
If we witnessed pre-season strengths and positives against Rosenborg, Atleti, Paris Saint-Germain and Leeds, Ruben Amorim’s men left an indelible mark.
As we have reported throughout the summer, the results of friendly fixtures are irrelevant. Still, the performances offer a window into the dressing room and collective mentality.
To the naked eye, it’s almost as though the group wilted at the first sign of adversity or excess physicality, and no amount of money spent will remedy that, regardless of Carlos Baleba’s impending arrival.
| Match overview via SofaScore | Hull City | Manchester United |
| Possession | 28% | 72% |
| Total shots | 8 | 21 |
| Big chances | 3 | 2 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 5 | 2 |
| Passes | 257 | 669 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.01 | 1.83 |
With a week of reflection, analysis and preparation underway ahead of an Ipswich test, many individuals are already declaring the upcoming season a write-off.
Unsurprisingly, much of this is spearheaded by the usual social suspects who tweeted furiously following Saturday’s final whistle, declaring their clairvoyance about the issues on display.
But a season is never defined by a singular performance and result, folks, and that is anything but toxic positivity.
We wouldn’t be discussing a title charge had United delivered a formidable 3-0 win to accompany their statistical dominance. Nonetheless, that particular narrative isn’t nearly as easy to sell.
Victory at home to the Tractor Boys is now mandatory, even though Gary O’Neil’s men will feel ample confidence off the back of three points against Sunderland.
Nothing will excuse what United offered up against Hull, and Carrick will appreciate that better than most. Still, three points on Sunday can offer an alternative perspective, and nothing else will suffice.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels–photo by NewsImages via depositphotos.com.
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2 responses to “Carrick requires an immediate response from his United side”
Nothing but the 3 points on Sunday. We have to be brave and stick to the routines that worked last season and majority of the preseason. If we’re able to get into the flow, we’ll become unstoppable.
There is plenty of talent there, Francis. Let’s hope our season begins at the weekend.