Hull humble Man United as Carrick vows no panic

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has said a shock 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City in their Premier League opener will not change the club's long-term direction. Goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy at the MKM Stadium on Saturday handed Hull a dream return to the top flight and left United's title ambitions under immediate scrutiny.

Hull, competing in the Premier League for the first time since 2017, took a deserved lead in the 17th minute when Ajayi reacted quickest after Andre Onana had parried an effort from Oli McBurnie. Nobel Mendy, the club's record signing, then doubled the advantage in the 38th minute with a header from a Regan Slater free-kick. The visitors, who finished third last season, were lacklustre throughout and failed to mount a significant comeback in the second half.

Carrick, whose side was expected to challenge champions Arsenal, acknowledged the disappointment but stressed the need for perspective. "It is hugely disappointing, of course it is. We came here to win so to not take anything away is hugely disappointing," he told TNT Sports. "It's not more than that, not less. We have to soak it up and come back stronger."