Michael Carrick has urged Manchester United to remain calm and focused after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City in their opening Premier League game of the season.
United were stunned by first-half goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy at the MKM Stadium as Hull marked their return to the top flight for the first time since 2017 with a memorable victory.
Despite missing 10 players through injury, Hull produced an energetic performance that exposed United’s weaknesses and left Carrick’s side with plenty to improve on.
United had been expected to challenge for the Premier League title after finishing third last season, but their performance offered little evidence that they are ready to compete with defending champions Arsenal.
Carrick, however, refused to criticise his players publicly and called for a measured response.
“We came here to win, so to not take anything away is hugely disappointing,” Carrick said. “It is not a nice feeling, but it is not going to change our direction as a team or a club.”
He acknowledged that United struggled to deal with Hull’s approach and said the team must find solutions against different tactical systems.
“It can happen, we can be better,” Carrick added. “There are issues playing against different systems and we have to find answers to that.”
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace also suffered a disappointing start under new manager Pierre Sage, losing 2-0 away to Everton.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall opened the scoring in the 42nd minute after dispossessing Daniel Munoz before firing a powerful effort into the far corner. Thierno Barry then doubled Everton’s advantage with a strong header from Iliman Ndiaye’s cross shortly after half-time.
Sage was appointed following Oliver Glasner’s departure to Nottingham Forest. Glasner had guided Palace to the FA Cup in 2025 and the UEFA Conference League last season.
Glasner’s Forest tenure also began with defeat, as Leeds United secured a 1-0 victory at the City Ground through Anton Stach’s late free-kick.
Ipswich Town, meanwhile, celebrated their Premier League return with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sunderland at Portman Road.
Emersonn put Ipswich ahead in the 24th minute before Nilson Angulo equalised with a superb free-kick. Jack Clarke then struck in the 90th minute to give Gary O’Neil victory in his first match as Ipswich manager.
The opening weekend continues with several high-profile fixtures. Tottenham face Brentford, while Manchester City begin life under new manager Enzo Maresca against Bournemouth.
Liverpool, also under new management following the departure of Mohamed Salah, face Newcastle, while Aston Villa travel to Brighton.
Arsenal began their title defence in impressive fashion on Friday, defeating promoted Coventry City 3-0 at home.
For Manchester United, however, the immediate challenge is to recover quickly. Carrick’s message is clear: the defeat was damaging, but panic will not provide the answers needed to turn their season around.
Tags: Manchester United, Hull City, Michael Carrick, Premier League, Crystal Palace, Pierre Sage, Everton, Oliver Glasner, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Ipswich Town, Sunderland, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Football, EPL
