‘One game doesn’t change anything’ - Michael Carrick reacts as Manchester United suffer shock opening day defeat at promoted Hull City

A nightmare start for the Red Devils

Manchester United’s optimism following a third-place finish and Champions League qualification last term was brutally dismantled in East Yorkshire. Returning to the top flight after a nine-year absence, Hull City produced a performance of immense grit and clinical finishing to secure their first-ever Premier League victory over the visitors.

The Tigers took the lead when Oli McBurnie’s initial effort was expertly tipped onto the post by United goalkeeper Andre Onana, only for Semi Ajayi to react quickest and lash the rebound into the net. The lead was doubled when club-record signing Nobel Mendy rose highest to meet a Regan Slater free-kick, marking his debut with a goal that sent the home support into raptures.

Carrick calls for calm after opening loss

Speaking to TNT Sports after the final whistle, a defiant Carrick was keen to ensure that this result does not derail the long-term vision he has established at Old Trafford, stating: 'Two goals is frustrating anyway, they decide the game today and there's things to improve on, one game doesn't change the direction of everything. It doesn't change the direction of the football club.'

When pressed on what exactly went wrong and which areas required immediate attention, Carrick remained protective of his tactical adjustments. He noted: 'We have a bit to improve on, it was never going to be perfect; going behind makes it more difficult. Against a promoted team at home, we can't give them much and they had opportunities. We're disappointed but it won't knock us. It's for us to know and to improve during the week and keep getting stronger as a group, and we have a lot to learn from it.'

Fernandes highlights set-piece failures

Captain Bruno Fernandes echoed his manager’s sentiments but was more specific about the technical failings that led to the defeat. The Portuguese international pointed to the atmosphere and the physicality of the newly-promoted side as key factors that United failed to manage. 'We know in the Premier League these types of away grounds are difficult to play against. You need to match their intensity and aggression. The two set pieces ended up costing us the game today.'

The midfielder also addressed the visible frustration from the travelling Manchester United supporters, who had hoped to see the momentum from last season continue into the new term. Acknowledging the weight of expectation that comes with representing the club, Fernandes added: 'We understand the frustration. Every season at the start we want to compete and win every game, but we need the fans on our side and to believe in ourselves.'

Transfer talk and the road ahead

While the focus remained on the pitch, questions regarding United’s activity in the final days of the transfer window were inevitable. The club has been heavily linked with a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba to bolster the midfield, but Carrick was unwilling to be drawn into speculation while the deal remains unconfirmed, stating: 'I had all eyes on this today so any other player, until he's ours, it's not for me to comment on.'

There is no denying that losing the season opener is a bitter pill to swallow for Carrick’s men. However, they will have an immediate chance to make amends and grab their first three points when they host another promoted side, Ipswich Town, at Old Trafford on August 30.