I attended the Saturday match in Hull and, from the outset, it was evident that Manchester United were not competitive against the home side. Critics will undoubtedly heap criticism on Michael Carrick’s squad ahead of their next fixture versus Ipswich, pointing to a perceived lack of intensity, aggression and purpose. However, after leaving the stadium I felt the situation was more complex than a simple case of laziness or indifference. First, let us acknowledge that United’s performance was undeniably poor.
The team looked disjointed, and only Carrick can truly explain the underlying reasons. One clear factor was the disparity in match sharpness between his regular starters and the fringe players who were still finding their feet.
Six of the first‑team regulars had completed a full pre‑season programme, yet the new midfield partnership of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos had only just begun to gel. Meanwhile, several substitutes were far from peak fitness: Benjamin Šeško had not featured at all in pre‑season, while Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford had logged limited minutes after returning from international duty over the summer. Hull City, on the other hand, deserve considerable credit for their organization.
This was their first Premier League appearance in nine years, but they entered the season with a fully completed pre‑season schedule, allowing the squad to develop cohesion and tactical discipline. Their preparation gave them a clear edge in both fitness and tactical awareness, which manifested in a well‑drilled performance against a United side still adjusting to new personnel. A persistent myth circulating on social media claims that four of United’s five defeats under Carrick have come at the hands of teams employing a back‑five formation.
This is simply inaccurate. Two of those “defeats” were actually pre‑season friendlies – the opening summer game against Wrexham and the final friendly against AC Milan under Ruben Amorim. Using those matches as evidence of a systemic problem against a specific formation is misleading, as the intensity and stakes of friendlies differ dramatically from competitive league fixtures.
When we compare the Hull loss with United’s poor showing against Leeds United at Old Trafford last season, a pattern emerges: both games were marked by a noticeable physical shortfall. The players seemed to lack the stamina, strength and overall physical presence required to compete at the highest level. This physical deficit is likely the most pressing concern for Carrick moving forward, and it underscores why a degree of leniency may be appropriate after the Hull result. Looking ahead to the upcoming clash with Ipswich Town, I would be surprised if United do not show a marked improvement.
The midfield has been a top priority for the club this summer, with more than £150 million invested in new talent, most recently the signing of Carlos Baleba. Yet, as often happens when a club plugs one hole, another gap becomes apparent. In the summer of 2025, United bolstered their attack with the arrivals of Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, only to discover that the midfield still required reinforcement. The club chose to wait a full year rather than rush into a short‑term midfield solution, hoping that a stronger market would open the following summer.
A similar scenario now exists at left‑back. After securing three midfield signings, United’s next priority appears to be a quality left‑back, especially with Luke Shaw’s contract set to expire next summer.
The club has long admired the potential of Myles Lewis‑Skelly and Lewis Hall, and they sit high on United’s shortlist. However, both clubs have publicly denied any intention to sell, and the recent injury to Bruno Guimarães further diminishes any realistic chance of acquiring Lewis‑Skelly this window.
While United could theoretically make a late‑season creative move for a left‑back, the odds are low. Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde has been linked with the Red Devils, but United’s scouting reports suggest they are not actively pursuing him at present.
Consequently, the burden falls heavily on Shaw to stay fit throughout the season, with Patrick Dorgu expected to serve as a long‑term solution at left‑back. Both Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot can also provide cover if needed. Regarding departures, it seems unlikely that any first‑team regulars will leave United before the transfer deadline. One name that has generated speculation is Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, but interest from Italian clubs has yet to materialise into a concrete offer, and he is expected to remain at Old Trafford.
In summary, while the defeat to Hull was disappointing, it should be viewed in context. United were missing full‑pre‑season conditioning for several key players, faced a well‑prepared opponent, and are still integrating new midfield signings. The physical shortcomings observed are a clear area for Carrick to address, and there is reason to believe the team will be more competitive against Ipswich. As the club continues to strengthen its attack and midfield, the next logical step will be to resolve the left‑back situation, potentially next summer when Shaw’s contract expires.
Until then, United must rely on a blend of existing squad depth and tactical adjustments to navigate the early part of the season successfully.