In the opening match of the new Premier League season, Manchester United suffered a shocking 0-2 defeat to newly promoted Hull City. The Daily Mail subsequently argued that based on this performance, talk of United challenging for the title is nothing but a joke. With frequent defensive errors, sluggish tempo, and a porous backline, they took a heavy blow.

Carrick had previously stated that the notion of United having an easy start away at Hull City was ridiculous.

But even in his worst nightmares, Carrick could not have foreseen this: being embarrassed by the opposition on opening day. Hull City had secured a remarkable return to the Premier League in May through the Championship play-offs. This summer, the club spent £70 million to sign 12 players—the exact same fee Manchester United paid Brighton for Baleba.

For Hull City, it was a momentous day. Credit to the players, fans, manager, and their ambitious owner, Acun Ilıcalı.

This was Hull City's first-ever Premier League victory over Manchester United—a win that local supporters will be talking about for years to come.

As for United? Carrick seemed transported back to Turf Moor in August 2009. In his first away match of that season, United suffered an embarrassing defeat to Burnley, and Carrick also missed a penalty that day. This result also recalls United's 0-4 thrashing by Brentford four years ago.

This defeat was arguably even worse. This summer, the arrivals of André and Youri Tielemans had brought cautious optimism, but the new midfield offered nothing. Both made their Premier League debuts for United, and when the team fell two goals behind, both were substituted at halftime. They were completely outclassed by Matty Crooks and Slater; and Slater, signed from Sheffield United for just £50,000 in 2022, showed them up.

Based solely on this performance, calling Manchester United title contenders sounds like a bad joke.

The team suffered from repeated defensive lapses, a sluggish tempo, and a vulnerable defence.

What truly stands out is United's incomplete transfer business: a new striker has yet to arrive, Luke Shaw lacks defensive cover, and Baleba, signed as a third-choice midfielder, arrived too late to feature in the squad.

Carrick had lost just two of 17 matches since taking over in January, so this defeat represents a major setback. Earlier this week, he said calling United title challengers was somewhat "over-ambitious." Based on this display, that statement is frankly a joke.

Look at it objectively: 8 of Hull City's starting XI were the players who defeated Middlesbrough in the Championship play-offs in May, securing promotion back to the Premier League after 9 years. Many, particularly Joe Cole, had previously predicted they would be relegated.

Carrick continues to insist it's just one match. But when United return to Old Trafford this weekend to face another newly promoted side, Ipswich, another defeat would pile enormous pressure on his shoulders.

Hull City fans had previously mocked Joe Cole for writing off their chances, and during the match they openly relished an announcement almost gleefully read by the stadium announcer: informing Manchester United fans that two return trains to Manchester had been cancelled.

Supporters taunted the visiting United fans, shouting: "You'll have to get a taxi home." Most Manchester United fans had departed before the final whistle.

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