The Mail reports that Manchester United's overall performance in this summer's transfer window is deeply disappointing, having only recruited players rejected by other clubs. The club's leadership has left Carrick isolated, and this summer should have been an opportunity for United to demonstrate a fresh start, yet the season opener was a disastrous defeat to a newly promoted side.

Hull City manager Sergiy Yakovenko said that his goalkeeper performed comfortably and calmly, as if enjoying an afternoon cup of tea. United travelled to Humberside and suffered defeat in the season's opening match, with their refreshed squad showing little attacking threat. Among all the commentary, Yakovenko's observation was the sharpest criticism.

Against a newly promoted side that many predicted would be relegated immediately, United lost 0-2. Carrick's team was overwhelmed defensively, their midfield was squeezed, and their attack was weak as a kitten's cry. In football terms, this represents a complete collapse on every front.

It is still too early to draw final conclusions about United's league position this season, but the performance in this match has caused widespread disappointment, which is entirely understandable. There are also concerning signs: the team has failed to build on the progress Carrick achieved last season.

In May, United were in fine form, sitting third and returning to the Champions League. With Pep Guardiola departing Manchester City, many predicted United would be Arsenal's main title rivals this season. But throughout the summer, the team's positive momentum gradually dissipated.

Many believe the manager has once again been constrained by the club's complex hierarchy. This summer presented a rare opportunity for United to strengthen their squad, yet all signs suggest they have squandered it.

If this is not another false dawn, then it is a missed opportunity. This summer should have been a chance for United to show a new face, yet the squad has barely changed. Tielemans is a good player, but he is not the type of midfielder capable of elevating the team from third place to championship contenders.

Whether it is Tielemans or new signing Baleba, compared to Casemiro's move to MLS, does this truly represent an upgrade in quality?

Baleba is joining from Brighton for a transfer fee of around £70 million. The player shows great potential and could bring dynamism and strong pressing abilities, but his development at Brighton stalled last season.

Signing him late in the transfer window suggests either chaotic recruitment planning at the club or that all other transfer targets have fallen through. The same applies to defence; the team conceded twice from set pieces at the MKM Stadium, and the ageing, inexperienced defence is fraught with problems, yet the club has made no targeted defensive reinforcements. A team cannot simply overlook that 33-year-old Harry Maguire has inherent issues.

Several high-profile players completed summer transfers, all of them players United missed out on. Elliott Anderson joined Manchester City, Morgan Rogers moved to Chelsea, Bruno Guimarães went to Arsenal, Anthony Gordon transferred to Barcelona, Cucurella joined Real Madrid, and Sandro Tonali signed for Tottenham.

It is hard not to feel that United have been left behind by their rivals, at least in terms of a sluggish start. This summer, they cannot afford such a situation. Last summer, United significantly overhauled their attack, signing several quality players and achieving good results, but this summer's transfer window has been generally disappointing, recruiting only players other clubs have discarded.

This has also refocused attention on minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his deputies Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, whose recruitment strategy has now revealed significant flaws. Last summer they fixed the roof; now they plan to renovate the kitchen, but the building's foundation is built on sand, and they seem entirely unaware.

Last season was another turbulent year, with Ruben Amorim departing and Carrick stepping up brilliantly as interim manager. This summer should have been about fully supporting Carrick, rewarding his four months of excellent work with complete faith.

But the support afforded to him appears insufficient. Signing Baleba is a step forward, and United are now eager to acquire Barcelona's 22-year-old Spanish left-back Balde. However, they are currently shopping at an ordinary department store, not a luxury boutique competing for top stars, which inevitably leads to disappointment after raising expectations.

Jan Aage Fjørtoft, a noted Viasat broadcaster and former striker at Middlesbrough and Swindon Town, remarked that United lacked Hull City's fighting spirit in the first half on Saturday, conceding twice before the break. Carrick fired back: "Please, that's ridiculous."

It is rare to see Carrick so angry. This is not a loss of control; ironically, it reveals the passion within him. His defence of his players is understandable: playing away against a newly promoted side with their fans eager to upset a big club, many strong teams have stumbled here.

United do not lack fighting spirit.

But what concerns Carrick more is the team's lack of inherent quality. They could not withstand Hull City's pressure and only sporadically threatened the newly promoted side's defence, with Yakovenko's goalkeeper Tsolakis comfortable throughout the match.

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