Man Utd Suffer Humiliating Defeat at Hull in Premier League Opener

Manchester United made a disastrous start to their new Premier League season, losing 2-0 to newly promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.

First-half goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy condemned Michael Carrick's side to a humbling defeat. Hull, back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017, were missing as many as 10 players through injury but still outplayed United with a vibrant display.

This was a bitter beginning for United, a team expected to challenge for the title after finishing third last season. However, there was little evidence on the Humberside turf that United can match champions Arsenal after this disappointing performance.

New signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, who arrived from Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively, were anonymous on their debuts in midfield.

Carrick, appointed permanent manager after a successful interim spell, had dismissed suggestions that United had an easy start to the season. The trip to Hull and a home game against Ipswich, another promoted side, were seen as good opportunities, but Carrick's caution proved justified.

United are expected to challenge for their first English title since 2013, which adds even more pressure than last season. Carrick has asked for reinforcements, and United have agreed a deal to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. He will certainly demand more after this abject display.

Hull, who finished sixth in the Championship and won promotion via the playoffs for the first time since Blackpool in 2010, claimed their first win over United since 2017. Coach Sergej Jakirovic had insisted his team could silence the doubters, and even he might have been surprised by this performance.

Initially, United had the upper hand, with a shot from Bryan Mbeumo saved by new goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, followed by an excellent stop from Matheus Cunha's effort. Hull also showed their threat, with an Oli McBurnie header forcing Senne Lammens into action.

United's weakness in the air was exposed in the 17th minute. From a corner, McBurnie easily escaped slack marking and his shot was parried by Lammens, allowing Nigerian defender Ajayi to score from close range.

Patrick Dorgu missed a golden chance to equalize when he shot wide from Harry Maguire's pass. United continued to struggle and conceded a second goal in the 38th minute. From a precise free-kick by Regan Slater, United's defense failed to clear decisively, and defender Mendy charged in to head past Lammens.

Mocked by the home fans with chants of "you're getting eaten by the tigers," Carrick looked stunned on the touchline. He brought on Marcus Rashford at the start of the second half, but the forward, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona, could not make a difference. Hull continued to play with more incisiveness, with Mohamed Belloumi's effort going just wide of the post.

Tielemans and Santos were both substituted in the second half, but it changed nothing as United surrendered to their fate in helpless fashion.