I attended Saturday's match and it quickly became apparent that Manchester United were nowhere near competitive against Hull City. The early phases of the game showed a side that was out of sync, lacking the sharpness and cohesion that fans expect from a club of United's stature. Criticism of Michael Carrick’s squad is inevitable, especially with a home fixture against Ipswich looming on Sunday. Pundits will undoubtedly point to a perceived deficiency in intensity, aggression, and overall intent.
However, after leaving the stadium, I felt the situation was more layered than the usual sound‑bites. There is no doubt it was a poor performance. United failed to deliver, and only Carrick knows the exact reasons behind the collapse.
From the outset, it was evident that several of his regular starters were not at the level of match fitness they should be, especially when compared to where they will likely be in a few weeks’ time. Six of Carrick’s first‑team players completed a full pre‑season programme, but the manager also fielded a brand‑new midfield partnership of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, who have yet to develop any on‑field chemistry. On the bench, the options were limited: Benjamin Šeško, who did not feature at all during pre‑season, and young talents Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford, both of whom have had only sporadic minutes since returning from England duty over the summer.
Hull City, on the other hand, deserve massive credit for their organization. This was their first Premier League appearance in nine years, yet they arrived fully prepared, having completed a comprehensive pre‑season schedule.
Their discipline and tactical awareness were evident, and they exploited United’s lack of rhythm. A myth that has been circulating on social media needs to be addressed: the claim that “four of Carrick’s five defeats have come against teams playing with a back five.” That statement simply does not hold up when you examine the data. Two of those losses were actually pre‑season fixtures – United’s opening game against Wrexham and the final friendly versus AC Milan, managed by Ruben Amorim.
Using those matches as a barometer for Carrick’s tactical shortcomings against a specific formation is misleading. Both the Hull defeat and last season’s loss to Leeds at Old Trafford share a common thread: a palpable lack of physical presence. In both games, United looked flat, struggling to win duels and impose themselves in midfield. That physical deficit is likely the most pressing issue on Carrick’s mind heading into the next match.
Given the circumstances, I am prepared to grant Carrick a degree of leniency for the Hull result. I would be surprised if United do not show a marked improvement against Ipswich on Sunday, especially if they can restore fitness levels and tighten up their midfield.
Midfield has been United’s primary focus this summer, with the club splashing over £150 million on reinforcements, the latest being Carlos Baleba. Yet, as often happens when a club plugs one hole, another gap becomes more obvious. Reflecting back to the 2025 transfer window, United finally solved their attacking inefficiencies by signing Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Once the forward line was bolstered, the midfield’s inadequacies were thrown into sharp relief.
Last year the board chose to wait rather than sign a stop‑gap midfielder, believing a better market would open the following summer. A similar logic appears to be at play with the left‑back position. After securing three midfield signings, United now face a pressing need for a quality left‑back, especially with Luke Shaw’s contract set to expire next season.
Two young prospects have been linked with the role: Myles Lewis‑Skelly and Lewis Hall. Both are highly rated, but their clubs’ managers have dismissed any immediate transfer possibilities.
Additionally, Bruno Guimarães’ injury further diminishes the likelihood of Lewis‑Skelly departing, as United would be reluctant to lose depth in central midfield. It seems United are comfortable postponing a defensive overhaul until the next window, preferring to concentrate on attack and midfield for now. While a late‑window surprise signing cannot be ruled out, the odds are slim. Barcelona’s left‑back Alejandro Balde has been mentioned in rumors, but United have not shown strong intent to pursue him.
Consequently, Luke Shaw will be under considerable pressure to stay fit throughout the season. In his absence, the club will likely lean on Patrick Dorgu, who is viewed as a long‑term solution at left‑back. Veteran options such as Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot can also provide cover when needed. Regarding departures, it looks unlikely that any senior United players will leave before the transfer deadline.
Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee was rumored to be on the move to Italy, but no concrete offers have materialised, and he is expected to remain at Old Trafford. In summary, while the Hull defeat was embarrassing, it should be seen in context: a side still finding its rhythm after a disrupted pre‑season, missing key fitness levels, and facing a well‑prepared opponent.
Carrick’s midfield rebuild is still in its infancy, and the club’s broader transfer strategy suggests a measured, long‑term approach rather than a frantic scramble for quick fixes. With a week to regroup, United have the opportunity to address the physical shortcomings, refine their tactical setup, and present a more competitive front against Ipswich. The upcoming match will be a crucial barometer for whether the team can bounce back from this setback and demonstrate the progress that the substantial summer investment was intended to deliver.