Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has admitted his team has “a lot to learn” after suffering a surprise 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City in their opening Premier League game of the season.
United struggled at both ends of the pitch at the MKM Stadium, with Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scoring in the first half to give Hull a memorable victory on their return to the Premier League after nine years away.
The defeat was particularly disappointing for United, who finished third last season and entered the new campaign hoping to challenge for the title. Their performance, however, fell well below the standard set by champions Arsenal.
Carrick said his team was punished by poor defending at two set-pieces and admitted there were several areas that needed improvement.
“We have a lot to learn from it,” Carrick said.
He added that going behind made the match more difficult, especially against a promoted side playing at home, but insisted the defeat would not derail United’s season.
Carrick had previously warned his players not to underestimate Hull or their next opponents, Ipswich, who are also newly promoted.
The manager had also called for more signings following a relatively quiet transfer window. New midfielders Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos made their debuts but were substituted in the second half.
United have reportedly agreed a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, although Carrick declined to discuss the player until the transfer is completed.
“One game doesn’t change the direction of everything. It doesn’t change the direction of the football club,” he said.
United captain Bruno Fernandes also endured a frustrating afternoon, struggling to influence the game as angry travelling supporters voiced their disappointment.
Fernandes acknowledged the fans’ frustration and said United must improve their intensity and aggression in difficult away matches.
“The two set pieces ended up costing us the game today,” Fernandes said.
Carrick now has a week to address United’s weaknesses and prepare the team for their next Premier League fixture.
Source: AFP.
