I was at the Saturday fixture and it quickly became obvious that Manchester United were outmatched by Hull City from the opening whistle. The difference in quality was stark, and the visitors looked uncomfortable throughout the 90 minutes.
Critics will undoubtedly pounce on Michael Carrick’s side in the days leading up to their next league game against Ipswich Town on Sunday. The usual accusations will centre on a perceived lack of intensity, aggression and purpose on the pitch.
While those points are not entirely unfounded, the reality is more nuanced than a simple headline. First, let us acknowledge that United’s display was, by any standard, poor. The team looked disjointed, and Carrick will know exactly why the performance fell short. One of the biggest factors was fitness.
Six of the first‑team regulars had completed a full pre‑season programme, but several key players were still finding their rhythm. The new midfield partnership of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos had barely had any time together, and that lack of cohesion showed.
On the bench, the options were even less reassuring. Benjamin Sesko, who missed the entire pre‑season, was called upon despite having no match sharpness. Youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford were also on limited minutes after returning from England duty over the summer. Their lack of recent competitive minutes meant they could not inject the energy United desperately needed.
Hull City, on the other hand, deserve massive credit for their organization. This was their first Premier League match in nine years, yet they arrived fully prepared, having completed a complete pre‑season schedule. Their tactical discipline and physical readiness were evident, and they exploited United’s frailties with a well‑drilled game plan. A myth has been circulating on social media that "four of Carrick’s five defeats have come against teams playing a back five." This is simply inaccurate.
Two of those losses occurred in pre‑season fixtures – the opening game against Wrexham and the final friendly versus AC Milan under Ruben Amorim. Using those matches as a barometer for United’s ability to handle a five‑man defence is misleading.
Both the Hull loss and last season’s defeat to Leeds at Old Trafford share a common thread: a noticeable physical shortfall. In both games, United seemed out‑muscled, and the lack of stamina was evident in the second half. This physical deficit is likely Carrick’s most pressing concern as he looks to tighten up the squad.
Given these circumstances, I am prepared to give Carrick a pass for the Hull result. I would be surprised if United do not show a marked improvement against Ipswich on Sunday, especially if they can address the fitness issues that plagued them on Saturday.
Midfield has been United’s top priority this summer, and the club has already spent more than £150 million on reinforcements, with Carlos Baleba being the latest addition. However, the pattern repeats itself: solving one problem often highlights the next. In the hypothetical 2025 scenario, United bolstered their attack with Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, only to realise that the midfield still required significant upgrades.
The club chose to wait a full year rather than sign a stop‑gap midfielder, hoping for better options in the next window. A similar dilemma now exists at left‑back. After securing three midfield signings, United’s next logical target is a quality left‑back, especially with Luke Shaw’s contract due to expire next summer.
The club has long admired Myles Lewis‑Skelly and Lewis Hall, both of whom are currently deemed unattainable as their clubs have dismissed any transfer talk. Bruno Guimarães’ injury further diminishes the likelihood of a Lewis‑Skelly move. United appear content to focus on attack and midfield for the current summer, postponing a major defensive signing until the following window. While a late‑window surprise cannot be ruled out, the odds are slim.
Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde has been linked with the Red Devils, but reports suggest United are not actively pursuing him at this stage. In the short term, Luke Shaw will need to stay healthy throughout the season, and the club will rely heavily on Patrick Dorgu as a long‑term left‑back solution. Both Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are capable of covering the position when required.
Regarding potential departures, it looks unlikely that any first‑team regular will leave before the transfer deadline. Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee was rumored to be on the move, but interest from Italy has not materialised into a concrete offer, so he is expected to remain at Old Trafford. In summary, United’s flat performance against Hull can be attributed to a combination of fitness gaps, limited pre‑season preparation for several players, and a well‑organised opponent who had the benefit of a full preparation period.
While criticism is inevitable, the context suggests that Carrick deserves some leeway. The upcoming match against Ipswich will be a crucial test to see whether United can translate their summer investments into a more cohesive, energetic display. If they can tighten up the midfield, improve physical conditioning, and perhaps add a bit of tactical sharpness, the criticism will likely subside, and the team can begin to find its footing in the early stages of the Premier League campaign.