Michael Carrick insists he will keep a measured perspective, although he has demanded a better display after Manchester United opened their campaign with a 2-0 loss at Hull. It was United’s fourth opening-day defeat in seven years, with Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy capitalising on weak set-piece defending.
The United head coach remained composed in public even though his side fell well short of expectations. Hull, who placed sixth in the Championship last season, were worthy winners.
“I may sound calm while speaking to you, but that does not reflect how I feel inside or suggest I am pleased with what happened,” he said. “I spent many years playing for United, and you cannot remain here that long without learning to handle each day, every result and all the highs and lows while continuing to do your job.”
“That is absolutely not the case, and you can believe me. However, there is no need for everyone to start yelling or create disorder because of one defeat. We are deeply disappointed and must improve, but staying composed certainly does not mean we lack emotion.”
He added: “We cannot alter the outcome. We lost, it hurts, and the feeling is unpleasant. Even so, one result will not cause us to abandon the direction we have chosen as a team and a club.”
“This was only one match, and unexpected results are part of football. Nobody enjoys them, but they sometimes occur.”
United created little danger during the match. “We repeated the errors that affected us in away fixtures last season,” Bruno Fernandes said. “We allowed them to keep possession too easily. During the opening 20 minutes, their goalkeeper was on the ball far too often and had too much time. We must apply greater pressure, show more intensity and improve at set-pieces so that we stop conceding goals like these.”
Hull head coach Sergej Jakirovic revealed that his coaching team had identified a vulnerability in United’s set-piece defence, although he declined to disclose the tactical detail that allowed them to exploit it.
Hull are widely expected to face relegation trouble, and their fans responded during the game to a pundit who had questioned the team’s survival prospects. “I have no issue with people expressing critical opinions,” Jakirovic said. “Our aim was to show they were mistaken, and we managed to win today. There are still 37 matches remaining, so we will look to maintain this approach. I am extremely pleased for everyone connected with the club.”
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