Manchester United’s shock 2-0 loss to newly promoted Hull City on the opening weekend stung like chili powder in your underwear. Optimism was dented, and expectations were hastily adjusted across Manchester pubs. However, now that the dust has settled, a bit of perspective is required.
One defeat, however embarrassing, is not a terminal diagnosis. In fact, history suggests United fans shouldn’t book their therapy sessions just yet. The last three times the Red Devils lost their opening fixture, they rallied to finish in the top three. Even in 2013, when Sir Alex Ferguson lifted his final Premier League trophy, the campaign began with a demoralizing opening-day defeat at Everton.
The concern shouldn’t the result itself, but rather the outstanding issues that remain unchecked on Michael Carrick’s four-point plan.
1. Cracking the ‘Back Five’ code
I previously noted how AC Milan’s 4-2 pre-season win exposed United’s defensive frailties. At the MKM Stadium, Hull boss Sergej Jakirović all but said he used Ruben Amorim’s masterplan for his blueprint.
It worked a treat. United looked toothless against a disciplined mid-block, struggled to track quick switches of play and deal with crosses. This isn’t a one-off; Carrick’s United has now struggled against the wingback/back-five systems of Leeds United (2-1 loss), AC Milan (4-2 loss) and Hull City (2-0 loss).
A worrying pattern has emerged, and Carrick needs a tactical “Plan B” before the rest of the league catches on.
2. Physicality, Set Pieces, and the Baleba Solution
When Hull striker Ollie McBurnie embarked on a mazy run past four static United players, fans were screaming for a midfield enforcer to step in, take the man, and leave him face-down in the grass as he walked off saying ‘that’s enough of that, son’.
However, the $90 million arrival of Carlos Baleba from Brighton should help change that. The physical, box-to-box dynamo completes a total midfield rebuild alongside fellow newcomers Andrey Santos ($61 million) and Youri Tielemans ($45 million).
But Baleba can’t fix everything. The departure of Casemiro has left United aerially vulnerable in both boxes—a weakness Hull exploited for both goals. Furthermore, the lack of a focal point was painful.
With centre-forward Benjamin Šeško only fit enough for the bench, replacement Matheus Cunha roamed deep, leaving United to deliver nearly 40 crosses with no clear target.
If United spend the rest of the window chasing left-back cover for Luke Shaw instead of a secondary striker (as expected), those crossing stats may continue to make unpleasant reading.
3. Giving his team a rocket
Michael Carrick’s Zen-like calm has been a blessing. He has successfully dismantled the circus atmosphere that seemed to define the club for a decade, refocusing the energy on the pitch. It’s exactly what the club needed.
However, his side looked stuck in pre-season mode against Hull. The performance was flat and devoid of urgency, even at 2-0 down. Fans will be hoping Carrick traded his calm exterior for a ‘hairdryer’ moment in the dressing room.
We caught a glimpse of that feisty side during a post-match interview when Jan Åge Fjørtoft suggested the team lacked passion. “That’s a ridiculous thing to say,” Carrick snapped, and delivered a withering death stare. The players need to respond with their own fire.
If they underestimated Hull, they won’t be afforded the same mistake against newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Sunday.
4. Getting the best version of Marcus Rashford
If there was a silver lining in the East Yorkshire gloom, it was Marcus Rashford. Coming off the bench at half-time for Patrick Dorgu, the man who spent last season winning a title on loan at Barcelona looked like he had a point to prove.
Handed the No. 9 jersey by Carrick, Rashford was the only consistent threat to the Tigers’ defense. His link-up play with long-time teammate Luke Shaw hinted back to some of his most prolific spells in a red shirt.
Rashford deserves to start against Ipswich. It will be fascinating to see the reception the ‘Prodigal Son’ receives from the Old Trafford faithful upon his homecoming.
